A Beech A36, registration N3215U, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Murchison, Texas, on February 11, 2026, at about 1726 local time. The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The flight was conducted under Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight. The airplane impacted trees and a power line pole during an emergency landing attempt near Echo Lake Airport (TX40).
According to information provided by the pilot’s family, the purpose of the flight was to visit family in the Dallas, Texas, area. The pilot, who owned the airplane, occupied the front left seat. The pilot-rated passenger was seated in the rear right seat near the rear entry door. The airplane carried bags, suitcases, office supplies, a cooler, and a dog.
A preliminary review of ADS-B data showed the airplane departed Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), Orlando, Florida, on the morning of the accident at about 1027 eastern standard time. The airplane flew northwest and made a stop at DeFuniak Springs Airport (54J), DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
The airplane departed 54J at about 1245 central standard time and continued northwest. ADS-B data indicated the airplane then stopped at Center Municipal Airport (F17), Center, Texas. No flight plan was listed in the available information.
The airplane departed F17 at about 1635 central standard time and flew northwest toward Tyler, Texas. Shortly after crossing Lake Palestine, the pilot contacted air traffic control and declared an emergency, stating there was oil on the airplane’s windscreen. The pilot told the controller that he intended to land at Echo Lake Airport (TX40), located near Murchison, Texas.
ADS-B data showed the airplane flew to the north of TX40 and then turned south. The ADS-B track terminated shortly thereafter. Meteorological information reported for the area indicated visual meteorological conditions in daylight. An observation taken about 10 nautical miles from the accident site at 1715 local time reported clear skies, 10 miles visibility, wind from 330 degrees at 4 knots, temperature 20°C, dew point 4°C, and altimeter 30.15 inches of mercury.
During the emergency landing, the airplane impacted pine trees and a power line pole. The airplane came to rest on the eastern side of the airport on the front lawn of a private residence. The empennage was found resting on a power line. The airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude of about 45 degrees. The dog was not injured and was removed from the airplane by a witness.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. There was no fire or explosion reported, and there were no reported ground injuries.
Examination of the wreckage found two holes in the engine crankcase above the location of the Nos. 2 and 4 cylinders. Oil was observed on the windscreen, the area above the windscreen on the fuselage, the left side of the engine, and the underside of the fuselage. The wreckage was recovered from the accident site and transported to a secure location for future examination.
A Garmin GTN 750 unit, a Garmin GDU 1060 unit, and a J.P. Instruments engine data monitor unit (model not specified) were removed from the airplane and sent to the vehicle recorders laboratory for evaluation.
The airplane was manufactured in 1994. It was equipped with a Continental Motors IO-550-B reciprocating engine and a Hartzell PHC-C3YF-1RF three-blade controllable-pitch aluminum propeller.
Findings and probable cause: The preliminary information provided did not include findings or a probable cause.
