Investigation reveals final details of 2022 Lake Palestine plane crash

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

The incident happened after the pilot, Jimmie A. Blackwell, 79, took off from Tyler Pounds Regional Airport on Oct. 21, 2022. The plane was able to climb more than 5,000 feet before turning around suddenly to the right towards the ground, as reported. a report from the National Transportation Safety Board.

The plane hit shallow waters in Lake Palestine and was later discovered by ranchers, according to DPS Sgt. Kyle Bradford.

Medical records showed Blackwell, of Cedar Park, had multiple heart-related conditions, according to the report’s analysis. Toxicology results also showed Blackwell had taken several medications consistent with the condition, the report states. 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 had expired in 2001.

The report said 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, suffering “extensive blunt force trauma,” according to the report. The autopsy could not reveal any further information due to the pilot’s injuries.

Blackwell last reported more than 1,700 flight hours in 2018, according to the report.

Related:

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

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