Probable cause
The pilot’s inadvertent application of the brakes during the landing roll which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot, who was also the owner and builder of the tailwheel equipped biplane stated that the purpose of the flight was to perform a “final check” of the airplane’s engine and operating systems. The airplane performed “properly,” and he landed “without issue.” The pilot further stated that at low speed during the landing roll, his foot “became lodged between the bulkhead and the brake” which resulted in a sudden misapplication of the brakes and a nose over event, which fractured a wing strut and substantially damaged the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA245 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 29, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Frederick, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- Frederick Muni (FDK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Hatz Classic
- N-number
- N85EX
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2022
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.