Married Couple Die in Small Plane Crash with Dog on Board

FAA blames emergency on dirty windshield

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A married couple, Ron J. Timmermans and Barbara Timmermans, died in a small plane crash in Brownsboro, Texas on February 11, 2026. The Beechcraft A36 plane they were flying in declared an emergency shortly before crashing into power lines. A dog on board survived the crash. The FAA's preliminary investigation determined the plane declared an emergency due to oil on the windshield.

Why it matters

The crash has raised concerns about the importance of proper aircraft maintenance and the potential risks posed by environmental factors like a dirty windshield. Ron Timmermans was an award-winning flight instructor, underscoring the tragedy of the experienced pilots' deaths.

The details

The plane, registered to AileRon T LLC in Orlando, Florida, crashed around 5:30 pm local time on February 11th. The pilot declared an emergency before the aircraft struck power lines and went down. Authorities confirmed the two people on board, Ron J. Timmermans and his wife Barbara, did not survive. A dog that was also on the plane survived the crash.

  • The plane crashed around 5:30 pm local time on February 11, 2026.
  • An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive at the scene on February 13, 2026.

The players

Ron J. Timmermans

An award-winning flight instructor who began his job in 1998. He was named the National Certified Flight Instructor of the Year in 2021 through an FAA-associated award program.

Barbara Timmermans

The wife of Ron J. Timmermans, who died in the plane crash with her husband.

AileRon T LLC

The registered owner of the Beechcraft A36 plane that crashed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash. An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive at the scene on February 13, 2026 to assist with the investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of proper aircraft maintenance and the potential risks posed by environmental factors like a dirty windshield, even for experienced pilots. The deaths of Ron Timmermans, an award-winning flight instructor, and his wife Barbara underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for continued safety improvements in the aviation industry.