Coverage dated October 15, 2026 to October 16, 2026

Pilot killed in Myakka City helicopter crash identified

Headline from FOX 13 Tampa

A mosquito control helicopter struck a private radio tower and crashed behind several Myakka City homes Thursday night , killing its 63-year-old pilot, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Myakka City helicopter crash Emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls around 8:54 p.m.

FOX 13 Tampa's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

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Reports & sources

4 articles, oldest first.

WFLA
1 person dead after helicopter crashes in Manatee County (opens WFLA)
Published Oct 15, 2026
WFLA's feed description
Deputies were on the scene following a crash involving two helicopters in Myakka City on Thursday.
FOX 13 Tampa
Mosquito control helicopter crash: 1 dead after hitting radio tower in Myakka City (opens FOX 13 Tampa)
Published Oct 15, 2026
FOX 13 Tampa's feed description
One person is dead after a Manatee County Mosquito Control District helicopter crashed into a radio tower near the Dakin Dairy Farm in Myakka City. Emergency crews deploy East Manatee County fire crews and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office are responding to the scene, and confirmed one person was …
FOX 13 Tampa
Pilot killed in Myakka City helicopter crash identified (opens FOX 13 Tampa)
Published Oct 16, 2026
FOX 13 Tampa's feed description
A mosquito control helicopter struck a private radio tower and crashed behind several Myakka City homes Thursday night , killing its 63-year-old pilot, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Myakka City helicopter crash Emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls around 8:54 p.m.
WFLA
What we know about the Manatee County mosquito control helicopter pilot killed in crash (opens WFLA)
Published Oct 16, 2026
WFLA's feed description
A Manatee County mosquito control helicopter pilot was killed Thursday night after the aircraft struck a private radio tower in Myakka City, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.