Pilot identified after engine shut off twice, forcing emergency landing in Estero Bay mangroves

A pilot has been identified after an emergency landing in Estero Bay mangroves following an engine shut off twice, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office. The aircraft was en route from Page Field when the first engine loss occurred over Fort Myers Beach.

The pilot, Curt Hosterman, was able to restart the engine and attempted to return to Page Field, but the engine failed a second time before reaching the airport. He then selected a landing area among mangrove trees in Estero Bay Preserve and was rescued by the sheriff’s aviation unit.

Hosterman, 68, was taken to dry land off Winkler Road and evaluated by EMS; authorities reported no injuries and that he declined medical treatment. The aircraft was identified as a high-wing amphibious two-passenger float plane with tail number 279KF.

Video from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office shows the aviation unit rescuing the pilot from the aircraft, and the Iona McGregor Fire District confirmed the pilot was evaluated with no injuries reported. The FAA was notified and accepted jurisdiction in connection with the incident.

This event follows two other Southwest Florida aviation incidents within the same week, including an emergency landing on Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers and a separate crash into a citrus farm in DeSoto County, sparking community concerns.