Amateur-built RV 4 N639JH accident near Los Lunas, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot inadvertently applied the left brake during the landing roll which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported the approach and landing were normal, and he used right rudder to compensate for a left crosswind. During the landing roll the pilot's left foot slid off the rudder pedal and the airplane began to veer to the right. When he moved his foot back on the rudder pedal, he inadvertently applied the left brake. The pilot added right rudder to compensate; however, the airplane traveled off the left side of the runway. The pilot added power in an attempt to avoid a ditch alongside the runway, but the airplane contacted the ditch and nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures/malfunctions of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15CA058 for the full record.