Small Plane Crashes Off Marco Island

A Cessna 185 Skywagon equipped with amphibious floats departed Marco Island Executive Airport at 11:16 AM EST on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Ryan Cody, a passenger, died. Pilot William Goodrich survived. 

The single-engine, high-wing aircraft is powered by a 300-horsepower piston engine. First flown in 1960, the Cessna 185 was manufactured from 1961 through 1985 and is widely regarded as a versatile and reliable aircraft. The plane involved in the accident, tail number N7574N, is registered to Black Dog Holdings Inc. of Pleasant Valley, New York. 

According to flight tracking data, the aircraftdeparted Marco Island and proceeded southeast, appearing to follow the coastline over the Ten Thousand Islands area. The plane climbed to an altitude of approximately 800 feet and maintained an average cruise speed of about 100 mph. 

The aircraft was equipped with amphibious floats — pontoons fitted with retractable landing gear — allowing it to take off and land on either water or a conventional runway. 

Tracking information indicates the aircraft began descending at approximately 11:20 AM,possibly in preparation for a water landing. Flight tracking data ended at 11:54 AM. 

Authorities have confirmed there was a fatality in the accident. Out of respect for the family, officials have not released further details. A surviving occupant is expected to be interviewed as part of the investigation. 

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident and will issue a preliminary report once sufficient information has been gathered.