![Ron and Barbara Timmermans [Credit: Florida Aviation Network]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/210220_RJN_5113-E-Family-Shot-scaled.jpg)
The aviation education community is mourning the deaths of nationally known CFI Ron Timmermans and his wife, Barbara, who were killed in an aircraft accident on February 11.
According to the FAA, the Timmermans were flying over East Texas in their Beechcraft A36 when they declared an emergency shortly before 5:20 p.m. CST, reporting oil suddenly covering the wind screen. During the emergency landing the aircraft struck power lines and hit the ground in a nose-down attitude near Echo Lake Airport (TX40) in Brownsboro, Texas.
The Timmermans were killed in the crash, but their dog survived and was rescued.
The Timmermans were residents of Orlando, Florida, and were frequent visitors to aviation events around the country. Ron had more than 9,000 hours of flight time logged and held multiple certificates, including ATP and multiple instructor ratings. In 2017 he joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) as a presenter for the Rusty Pilot program, traveling around the nation to lead seminars to help lapsed pilots get back into the cockpit.
Ron held Master CFI and Master Ground Instructor (MGI) credentials and was also an instructor for the Bonanza/Baron Pilot Training organization, as well as an active member of the FAASTeam, Florida Aviation Network, AOPA, and Experimental Aircraft Association. He was a frequent speaker at aviation training events, which he flew himself to, often accompanied by Barbara and their dog.
In 2021 Ron was named National CFI of the Year, and in 2022 he was inducted into the CFI Hall of Fame.
Since the accident several organizations have posted notices to their membership about the accident, a testament to the wide reach of aviation and the Timmermans’ involvement in their community. Ron, in particular, was known for his kindness, and Barbara for her gentleness of spirit.
