Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control on takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the aircraft design that did not incorporate differential braking.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was departing with a mild right crosswind in the amateur-built, steerable tailwheel-equipped airplane, without differential braking. After initiating his takeoff roll, the airplane began to drift to the left and he was unable to correct. The airplane exited the runway and struck a sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. Postaccident examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane’s tailwheel or brake system that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA058 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 26, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Inverness Highlands South, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Inverness (INF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built MAX TH
- N-number
- N48TH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1996
- 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.