Pilot Couple Killed in Plane Crash, But Their Dog Survives

Dirty windshield cited as cause of emergency landing attempt that ended in tragedy.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A beloved Florida pilot and his wife died when their small plane crashed in Texas after their windshield became covered in oil, causing them to attempt an emergency landing. However, their pet dog miraculously survived the wreck and was rescued by neighbors.

Why it matters

The tragic incident highlights the importance of proper aircraft maintenance and the dangers pilots can face from unexpected issues like a dirty windshield. While the couple's deaths are devastating, the survival of their dog offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise tragic situation.

The details

Ron and Barbara Timmermans were flying their Beechcraft A36 plane when they radioed that they were coming in for an emergency landing due to an oil-covered windshield. As they were preparing to touch down, the plane struck a powerline and crashed nose-first into the ground near a neighborhood in Brownsboro, Texas. The couple was killed in the crash, but their pet dog onboard survived and was rescued by nearby residents.

  • The plane crash occurred on Wednesday, February 15, 2026 around 5:30 p.m.
  • The Timmermans had just radioed that they were coming in for an emergency landing when the crash happened.

The players

Ron Timmermans

A beloved Florida pilot who owned an aviation business and specialized in flight instruction.

Barbara Timmermans

The wife of Ron Timmermans, who was killed in the plane crash alongside her husband.

Mary Ann Shoulders

A neighbor who heard the plane crash and saw the aftermath, including the survival of the couple's pet dog.

Florida Aviation Network

An organization that worked with Ron Timmermans and said he would be greatly missed in the aviation industry.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The dog was alive, and so one of the neighbors took the dog to take care of.”

— Mary Ann Shoulders, Neighbor (KLTV)

“It was just loud, just mangling. You could hear the metal mangling and stuff.”

— Mary Ann Shoulders, Neighbor (KLTV)

“Ron was an important part of training hundreds of pilots over the years. He's done hundreds of hours of interviews with people in the aviation industry.”

— Florida Aviation Network (KVUE)

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the cause of the crash and issue a full report. The Timmermans' pet dog will be adopted by their surviving family members.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks and challenges pilots face, even from seemingly minor issues like a dirty windshield. While the loss of the Timmermans is heartbreaking, the survival of their beloved dog offers a glimmer of hope and underscores the importance of thorough aircraft maintenance and safety procedures to prevent such devastating accidents.