On April 20, 1998, at about 1350 eastern daylight time, a Kaas Express, N12EX, experimental airplane, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a loss of directional control during the landing flare, and crashed on landing at the Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport, Lakeland, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot reported minor injuries. The flight originated from Ocala Municipal Airport, Ocala, Florida, about 30 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated he applied power during his round out on landing in an effort to remain in ground effect over the runway. His airplane was gaining on another airplane to his front. As he applied power, the airplane veered to the left off the left side of the runway. The airplane experienced a loss of directional control, collided with a ramp sign, taxiway light, bounced over an intersection, touched down in the grass left of the runway, and slid into a ditch. An engine fire ensued, and was extinguished by emergency response personnel.