Tampa Intl — Safety History & Runway Risks
NTSB accident analysis for KTPA: 9 events analyzed
Tampa, FL · 26.5 ft MSL · 3 runways
Based on 9 NTSB events at KTPA (Tampa Intl), the most important risks for pilots are:
- Landing Gear Malfunction on Approach and Landing. Three of nine events involved landing gear failures: a Cessna 310 with a right main that would not indicate down-and-locked (Aug 2019), a Cessna 210L with right main gear collapse on landing (Feb 2008), and a Cessna 414A with gear-related substantial damage (Jan 2026). All occurred in VMC, meaning gear failures here are mechanical—not weather-driven.
- Engine Failure Due to Maintenance Deficiency. Three events involved total loss of engine power traced to maintenance faults: inadequate crankcase bolt torque (Cessna 210L, Jun 2010), connecting rod fatigue failure with suspected lubrication loss (Cessna 210N, Dec 2013), and a pitch trim system failure caused by inadequate lubrication and missing roller bearings (Cessna S550, Oct 2014). All were Part 91 or Part 135 operations where maintenance quality was the root cause.
- Engine Failure on Departure or Shortly After. The Jun 2010 Cessna 210L lost engine power approximately 5 minutes after departing KTPA, forcing a landing in a vacant football field. The Oct 2014 Cessna S550 experienced pitch trim failure shortly after takeoff. Early post-departure engine failures leave minimal options given the low terrain around Tampa Bay.
Source: NTSB accident records analyzed by Tropiq. Updated 4/14/2026.
Safety History
9 eventsKTPA has recorded 9 NTSB events between 2008 and 2026, a relatively low rate for a major Florida airport, with no fatalities across all events. The most frequent failure modes are mechanical in nature—particularly landing gear malfunctions and engine failures linked to maintenance deficiencies—rather than pilot technique or weather-related causes. VMC conditions prevailed in all 9 events, suggesting that clear-weather complacency and deferred maintenance are greater risks here than adverse meteorology.
Over 18 years, KTPA averaged 0.5 events per year with no fatal accidents—a relatively benign record for a high-traffic Florida airport. The most active period was 2008–2014 with 5 events, most involving cargo operators and maintenance-related failures.
- •All 9 events occurred in VMC—adverse weather was not a direct cause in any recorded accident here.
- •Cargo and charter operators (Part 135/91) account for a disproportionate share of events, particularly in the 2008–2014 period.
- •Mechanical failures (gear, engine, trim) dominate the causal picture; pilot technique was a primary cause in only one event (2020 fuel selector).
- •No fatalities across all 9 events—serious injuries occurred in 2 events (Dec 2020 and Dec 2013).
- •Night operations were involved in 4 of 9 events (44%), exceeding their share of typical GA traffic.
- •Multiple events occurred in December and winter months (Dec 2013, Dec 2020, Feb 2008, Jan 2026), though the sample size is too small to draw firm seasonal conclusions.
Runway Analysis
Key Risks
Common Causes
Seasonal Patterns
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database. Analysis generated 2026-04-14. This data is provided for flight planning awareness and does not replace official safety briefings.
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