New details in plane crash report

HENDERSON COUNTY – A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board has been released, providing more details on what may have caused the plane crash in Henderson County earlier this year that killed two people. According to our news partner KETK, two holes were found in the engine crankcase after examining the plane following the crash. Additionally, oil was found above the windscreen on the fuselage. The plane was later transported to a secure location for further examination.

The crash occurred on Feb. 11 after the plane was traveling from Orlando, Florida, to Dallas and was piloted by Ron Timmermans, who was accompanied by his wife, Barbara, and their dog. During the flight, Ron contacted traffic control after crossing Lake Palestine, declaring an emergency, stating that there was oil on the airplane’s windscreen. Ron later informed traffic control that he was planning to land at Echo Lake Airport in Murchison, the report said. During the landing at around 5:15 p.m., the plane struck a power line pole and nosedived on the eastern side of the airport on the front lawn of a private residence, killing Ron and Barbara.

Timmermans’ family said that prior to the flight, Ron held an airline transport certificate and a flight instructor certificate. Ron was also an active flight instructor in Florida and Texas.