The investigation reveals final details of the 2022 Lake Palestine plane crash

HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) – An investigation into the cause of a fatal plane crash in Henderson County has returned inconclusive results.

The incident occurred after the pilot, Jimmie A. Blackwell, 79, took off from Tyler Pounds Regional Airport on October 21, 2022. The plane was able to climb above 5,000 feet before suddenly making a right turn toward the ground, a National Transportation Safety Board report said.

The plane landed in shallow water off Lake Palestine and was later discovered by ranch workers, according to DPS Sgt. Kyle Bradford.

According to the report’s analysis, medical history showed Blackwell, of Cedar Park, had multiple heart conditions. The toxicology results also showed that Blackwell had taken several medications tailored to the condition, the report said. Many of them are considered unsafe for pilots by the Federal Aviation Administration and require a special license.

According to the FAA, Blackwell’s medical certificate expired in 2001.

According to the report, the pilot lost control of the plane mid-flight, but investigators were unable to determine why.

Blackwell, of Cedar Park, did not survive the incident and suffered “severe blunt force trauma,” according to the report. An autopsy was unable to provide any further information due to the pilot’s injuries.

According to the report, Blackwell last reported over 1,700 flight hours in 2018.

Related:

• DPS releases name of pilot killed in plane crash in Henderson County (kltv.com)
• DPS: Ranch workers discovered plane wreckage at Lake Palestine

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