Small plane crash at Myakka airport sparks brush fire, Manatee deputies say
A single-engine plane crashed into trees after takeoff in Myakka City on Wednesday morning, the sheriff’s office said.
The crash sparked a brush fire and left one person with minor scrapes. But all three people on board escaped serious injury, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
The sheriff’s office said that crews were able to contain the fire following the accident.
Investigators said the crash happened shortly after 10 a.m. at a private airstrip at 42650 State Road 64 East. The airstrip is owned by YouTube star Cleetus McFarland.
Deputies said the plane veered to the left during takeoff and crashed into nearby trees. All three people on board were able to get out on their own, and no one needed emergency medical treatment, according to the release.
The sheriff’s office said they notified the Federal Aviation Administration, which will investigate the crash. No other details were immediately available.
McFarland posted about the crash on Facebook Wednesday morning.
“So far I’ve been told the pilot, (certified flight instructor) and passenger are OK,” the post said. “Big fire as well but Manatee County fire has it under control.”
McFarland purchased the property for $3.5 million in 2023, the Herald previously reported. Previously known as the Myakka Head Airport, McFarland renamed the facility to the Myakka Head, Bald Eagle Airfield.
This story was originally published April 23, 2025 at 12:11 PM.
