ERA26LA153

On March 21, 2026, about 0905 eastern daylight time, a Cessna T206H, N2469H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Myers, Florida. The pilot and four passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot/owner reported that he purchased the airplane new in November 2025. He returned the airplane to the manufacturer’s factory for inspection and corrective action to the standby battery system, air data/airspeed system, engine monitoring components, and one engine cylinder was replaced due to low compression readings. Following the inspection, repair, and test flights, the airplane was returned to service and the pilot on March 11, 2026. The pilot operated the airplane uneventfully during the days before the accident, including multiple takeoffs and landings, from both paved and soft-field runways. During the accident takeoff, the airplane was departing from Salty Approach Airport (FL90), Fort Myers, Florida. The pilot was attempting a soft-field takeoff technique on runway 10, a 1,800-ft-long, 100-ft-wide, turf runway. The pilot further reported that the airplane remained on the runway longer than expected, and did not achieve a normal liftoff profile within the anticipated distance. Forward visibility during the takeoff roll was limited, consistent with a soft-field takeoff attitude, and the pilot did not recall all of the instrument indications during the takeoff. As the airplane approached the end of the runway, the pilot attempted to lift off, the airplane became airborne and drifted laterally, impacting terrain and obstacles off the runway environment. Review of a witness video showed that for most of the takeoff roll, the airplane’s empennage dragged along the surface of the turf runway. The airplane appeared to become airborne, veered right, exited the right side of the runway, and struck trees near the end of the runway. The airplane came to rest upright and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the right horizontal stabilizer.