ERA26LA244

On June 20, 2026 at 1030 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182S, N7270H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Naples, Florida. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he planned to take three friends on a cross-country flight from Wing South Airport (FA37), Naples, Florida to Marathon International Airport (MTH), Marathon, Florida. He also reported it was his first flight of the day. Upon arrival at the departure airport, he conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane and did not find anything concerning. He reported that he received a weather briefing from flight service the night before the flight, then received an updated briefing the following morning. He remarked that it had been “hot that day” and that there were wet conditions at the airport. After the passengers boarded, he started the engine and taxied to runway 18 at FA37. Before departure, he conducted an engine runup and noted that all systems were operating normally. The pilot stated that he then conducted a normal takeoff, with the wing flaps retracted. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll he observed normal engine indications on the tachometer, manifold pressure, and other engine gauges. He stated that he rotated the airplane at 70 to 75 knots, and that “upon liftoff, the aircraft felt sluggish, and the stall warning horn activated.” The pilot felt that the airplane was not producing sufficient power to climb, but stated “there were no abnormal sounds or instrument indications.” He then lowered the nose to accelerate. A review of airport security camera footage showed that the airplane about came into view when it was about 1,800 ft from the approach end of runway 18, airborne and aligned with runway. The airplane remained at a low altitude above the runway and eventually exited the frame of the security camera. The pilot then determined he did not have adequate airspeed to climb and decided to abort the takeoff. He landed on the remaining runway, and estimated there was 100 to 200 ft of runway remaining after he had touched down. The pilot stated the runway was damp and he did not apply heavy braking as he was concerned the wheels could lock up. The airplane then exited the runway onto grass on the departure end of runway 18. The pilot noticed an approaching concrete wall and decided to turn to the right. He then struck the concrete wall with airplane’s left wing. Post-accident examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed substantial damage to the airplane’s left wing. Fuel was found in both wings and at the fuel strainer. The fuel was clear and blue, without any visible contaminants. The airplane’s engine was recovered and retained for further examination.