Pilot killed in Myakka City helicopter crash identified

A mosquito control helicopter hit an unlit private radio tower and crashed behind several Myakka City homes Thursday night, killing its 63-year-old pilot, authorities said.

admin October 18, 2026 4 minutes read

MYAKKA CITY, Fla. – A mosquito control helicopter hit an unlit private radio tower and crashed behind several Myakka City homes Thursday night, killing its 63-year-old pilot, authorities said.

Isaac Moore, a veteran pilot with more than 25 years of flight experience, died at the scene after hitting the structure during a spraying mission near Magnolia Hill Subdivision, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and district officials.

Myakka City helicopter crash

What we know:

Emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls around 8:54 p.m. Thursday about an aircraft crash in the 10,000 block of 289th Street East. Emergency personnel from MCSO, East Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County EMS responded to the scene in a wooded area behind several homes.

Courtesy: Columbus Police Department

Bystanders pulled Moore from the wreckage, but he died at the scene, according to authorities. Moore was the only person aboard the helicopter, and no injuries were reported on the ground.

A second mosquito control helicopter conducting routine spraying in the area landed safely nearby. Detective teams secured the crash site while coordinating with federal investigators.

Mosquito control crash investigation

What we don’t know:

Authorities have not said what caused the helicopter to hit the unlit radio tower during the spraying routine. Officials have also not indicated how long the FAA and NTSB investigations will take.

NTSB Investigation

Dig deeper:

During a press conference on Friday afternoon, Gene Rambo, an air safety investigator with the NTSB, said investigators are looking into human factors, the helicopter itself and the environment to figure out what caused the crash.

He said the investigators are just documenting now and not deciding as far as what caused the crash.

Rambo added that the helicopter manufacturer and engine manufacturer will likely be joining the NTSB at the site on Saturday.

Pilot Isaac Moore’s legacy

What they’re saying:

The Manatee Mosquito Control District expressed sadness over losing Moore, who logged 10,000 hours of flight time and was carrying out mission work to address regional public health concerns. “Ike’s family has been notified. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” the district said.

Jenifer McBride, communications director for the Lee County Mosquito Control District, recalled meeting Moore at an aerial fly-in.

“There are certain people that you meet, and you just know that they have a servant leadership,” McBride said, noting his humbleness despite his vast experience.

“It was a way to protect his community, whether it be with his past job or with mosquito control. There are certain people that just hold themselves a certain way and I think that was certainly him,” said McBride.

The Columbus Police Department also paid tribute to their former officer.

“Officer Isaac Moore was an incredible officer, pilot and professional,” Columbus Police said. “He mentored so many young pilots and was an amazing leader. Most importantly, he was a great man who loved to serve the Columbus community and will be deeply missed.”

On Friday morning, the Manatee Mosquito Control District sent the following statement to FOX 13:

“The Manatee Mosquito Control District is deeply saddened to confirm the loss of one of our beloved family members, helicopter pilot Isaac (Ike) Moore, in a tragic accident on the evening of 10/15/2026. Ike, who was a highly experienced helicopter pilot with 25+ years of helicopter flight experience with 10,000 hours of helicopter flight-time was conducting a mosquito control mission in Manatee County as part of ongoing efforts to address the unprecedented mosquito and public health issues in the region when his helicopter collided with an unlit radio tower object and crashed. No injuries were reported to others on the ground. Ike’s family has been notified. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. We ask that their privacy be respected as we mourn the loss of a valued member of our mosquito control family. At this time, we have no additional information to share. We are working closely with the appropriate authorities and law enforcement agencies as they respond to the incident and gather additional details. We will provide updates as more information becomes available and is confirmed.”