Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the aborted landing, which resulted in a runway excursion, collision with a runway sign, and nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during landing he flared higher than normal and the airplane bounced on touchdown. While attempting to abort the landing, the pilot applied full power and the airplane subsequently veered left. He attempted to maintain directional control with the rudder pedals, but the airplane continued to the left, exited the runway, hit a runway sign and nosed over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings, fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA184 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 23, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tampa, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Peter O Knight (TPF)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule M-7-260C
- N-number
- N41S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2019
- 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.