IAD02LA010

While on landing roll-out to runway 17, the tail-wheeled airplane encountered a gust of wind, which moved the tail to the left. The pilot compensated for the situation by applying full left rudder followed by "hard" right rudder. However, he accidentally activated the right brake instead of the right rudder pedal, and the airplane slowly nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies, and reported that the winds were from 270 degrees at 5 knots, gusting to 10 knots.

On November 4, 2001, at 1300 eastern standard time, a Luscombe 8A, N1147B, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during a landing roll-out on runway 17 at Sky Acres Airport (44N), Millbrook, New York. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement, the pilot stated:

"Stabilized approach to R17 at 44N - Very familiar with field and conditions. Right x-wind, a bit gusty. Smooth touchdown just past the numbers - gust quickly moved the tail to the left. Full left rudder to compensate. Hard right rudder to counteract - Accidentally hit the brake. Aircraft slowly nosed over."

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane. According to the inspector, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.

The pilot reported that the winds at the time of the accident were from 270 degrees at 5 knots, gusting to 10 knots.

Weather at Duchess County Airport (POU), Poughkeepsie, New York, at 1253, was reported as calm winds and clear skies.

Additionally, the pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies. He also reported a total of 247 flight hours, of which 55 hours were in make and model.