Small Plane Crash in Everglades City Claims One Life, Pilot Hospitalized

Everglades City, FL – A passenger died and a pilot was hospitalized with injuries after a small plane crashed west of Everglades City in the Ten Thousand Islands on Sunday, February 16, 2026. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident.

Details of the Crash

According to a report from Gulf Coast News, Ryan Cody, a passenger in the aircraft, did not survive the crash. Cody was a member of St. Finbarr Catholic Parish in Naples, as confirmed by the parish.

William Goodrich, the pilot, was alive and hospitalized as of Monday evening, according to a friend who spoke with Gulf Coast News.

The aircraft, a 1981 Cessna A185F, overturned in the water and was partially submerged. It has since been removed from the water and is at the Goodland Boat Park on Marco Island.

Emergency Response

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to reports of a plane in the water near the Port of the Islands resort, between Marco Island and Everglades City. Upon arrival, deputies found a private fishing vessel tied to the plane, with an individual in the water holding Cody.

Cody was transferred to fire and EMS personnel at the Port of the Islands Marina dock and pronounced dead at approximately 1:39 p.m. Sunday by EMS. Goodrich was transported to the hospital via ambulance.

Investigation

The NTSB is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The aircraft is registered to Black Dog Holding Inc. In Pleasant Valley, New York. The FBI is involved in a major international operation, though its connection to this specific incident is currently unknown.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.