Authorities have identified the two people killed in a plane crash in East Texas on Wednesday evening. Officials confirmed that Ron Timmermans and his wife, Barbara Timmermans, were involved in the crash near Murchison at approximately 5:13 p.m. The couple, who were based in Orlando, Florida, owned and operated an aviation company, AileRon T LLC. A dog that was also onboard the aircraft survived the crash, according to authorities.
Family members have been notified, officials said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the aircraft was a Beech A36 single-engine plane manufactured in 1994. According to preliminary information from the FAA, the pilot declared an emergency after reporting oil on the windshield. The aircraft diverted from its planned route but struck power lines and crashed short of a runway in the Brownsboro area.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash. The agency said an investigator is expected to arrive on scene by Friday to document the site and examine the aircraft. The plane will later be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages.
Ron Timmermans was widely known in aviation circles for his work as a certified flight instructor and aviation media contributor. In a statement released Thursday, the Florida Aviation Network (FAN) said Timmermans had volunteered with the organization since 2017.
“Ron Timmermans has provided pro bono service since joining the Florida Aviation Network in 2017,” the organization said. “As a host for the network, Ron interviewed numerous aviation professionals and guests during live broadcasts at Sun ’n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, and conducted interviews at other major aviation events across the country.”
Timmermans was named National Certified Flight Instructor of the Year in 2021 through an awards program associated with the FAA. He began working as an independent flight instructor in 1998 and logged more than 4,000 hours of instructional flight time, according to professional records. Over the years, he taught at multiple locations throughout Florida and previously worked in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in North Texas.
He was also actively involved in pilot training initiatives, including the Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program and the Bonanza Pilot Training program. According to the Bonanza & Baron Pilot Training website, Timmermans was inspired by his wife, Barbara, to pursue a career as a flight instructor.
Colleagues and members of the aviation community have shared statements recognizing his longstanding contributions to flight training and aviation education.
Authorities have not released additional details as the investigation continues. Further updates are expected once federal investigators complete their on-site review and analysis.
