November 15, 2026

This Week in Amateur Radio

North America's Premiere Amateur Radio News Magazine

Preliminary NTSB report released on Mosquito Control District helicopter crash (Florida)

A Manatee County Mosquito Control District helicopter struck an unlit, 150-foot radio tower before crashing near Myakka City, killing pilot Isaac Moore, according to a preliminary federal report.

Moore, 63, was conducting a mosquito-spraying mission when the Bell 407 helicopter struck the tower at about 8:51 p.m. Oct. 15, the National Transportation Safety Board said. The helicopter was destroyed. Moore was the only person aboard.

The NTSB has not determined a probable cause. Its preliminary findings are subject to change.

Flight data showed the helicopter was traveling east at about 92 mph when it struck the amateur radio tower approximately 130 feet above the ground, the report said. Most of the tower collapsed.

Read more – WWSB: https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/11/12/navigation-system-fatal-manatee-county-helicopter-crash-gave-no-audible-tower-warning-ntsb-says/