Isaac Moore Dies in Fatal Helicopter Accident Near 289th Street E in Myakka City on October 15, 2026

Isaac Moore, 63, died after the mosquito control helicopter he was piloting struck a radio tower and crashed on private property in Myakka City, Manatee County, on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported that the crash occurred at about 9 p.m. in the 10,000 block of 289th Street E. Preliminary information from the sheriff's office indicated that the helicopter contacted a private radio tower about 150 feet tall before falling to the ground. The Manatee County Mosquito Control District described the tower as unlit. The sheriff's office said lighting is not required for private radio towers below 200 feet. Two helicopters were in the area when the crash occurred, according to the sheriff's office. The second helicopter landed safely and did not come into contact with Moore's aircraft. The district said Moore was carrying out a mosquito control mission in Manatee County as part of its response to mosquito and public health concerns in the region. He had more than 25 years of helicopter flying experience and 10,000 hours of helicopter flight time, according to the district. No injuries were reported among people on the ground. The district said Moore's family had been notified and asked that their privacy be respected. Fire personnel responded to the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating, along with the sheriff's office, fire rescue, the medical examiner and mosquito control officials.