Lee County, FL – A pilot was rescued by helicopter Sunday after his floatplane experienced engine trouble and made an emergency landing in a remote area of Southwest Florida.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office identified the pilot as 68-year-old Curt Hosterman, who was operating a two-passenger amphibious aircraft on November 8th.
According to authorities, Hosterman departed Page Field and was flying near Fort Myers Beach when the aircraft’s engine stopped working.
The pilot successfully restarted the engine and attempted to return to the airport. However, the engine reportedly failed again before he could complete the flight.
Hosterman made an emergency landing among mangrove trees inside Estero Bay Preserve, an isolated area surrounded by water and dense vegetation.
Because the location was inaccessible to conventional emergency vehicles and rescue boats, the sheriff’s office Aviation Unit dispatched a helicopter.
Video released by authorities shows rescuers lowering a basket from the helicopter toward the stranded aircraft.
Hosterman entered the basket and was lifted into the helicopter before being transported to dry land near Winkler Road.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated the pilot following the rescue. Officials confirmed he was not injured and declined additional medical treatment.
The operation involved several emergency response agencies, including the Iona McGregor Fire District, South Trail Fire Protection and Rescue Service District and Lee County Public Safety.
The incident occurred one day after another small aircraft made an emergency landing near Interstate 75 in Lee County, striking a pickup truck without causing injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the circumstances surrounding the aviation incidents.