This September 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Maule MX-7-2325. Injuries: None. Location: Smith, Calif. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot had made three touch and go landings on the dry lake. On the fourth landing he applied too much brake pressure, which resulted in a propeller strike and the airplane nosing over on its back. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder, vertical stabilizer, and left wing tip.
Probable cause: The excessive brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over.
For more information: NTSB.gov
Must be common with this type of aircraft. One of my experienced fellow Delta captains just recently did the same thing to his maule at Del Norte Colorado. Must be a tricky plane to land since I am quite sure the Delta pilot is not at fault.
I’ve personally made many landings on dry lake beds. The question is, why bother using the brakes?