Full Breakdown
Five Killed in High-Speed Cessna Crash Near Wimberley, Texas
5/2/2026, 8:04:51 AM
Incident Overview
Late Thursday night (April 30/May 1 2026), a Cessna 421C (N291AN) crashed into a wooded area on the 200 block of Round Rock Road in Wimberley, Hays County, about 40 miles southwest of Austin. All five occupants—a pilot and four passengers—were pronounced dead. Preliminary data show the aircraft was traveling at a high rate of speed; no mid-air collision was found, and a post-impact fire destroyed the airframe.
Flight Background & Purpose
The plane left Amarillo, Texas, about two hours earlier for New Braunfels National Airport. KXAN reported it was one of two flights to a pickle-ball tournament; the Amarillo Pickleball Club identified the victims as Seren Wilson, Brooke Skypala, Stacy Hedrick, Glen Appling and Hayden Dillard.
Timeline of Response
The aircraft departed Amarillo at 09:30 a.m., climbed to 17,400 ft, and began a rapid descent at 10:58 p.m., losing over 5,000 ft/min. The crash was reported between 11:00 and 11:25 p.m.; the Hays County Sheriff’s Office received the call at 11:03 p.m., dispatched units at 11:05 p.m., and responders arrived at 11:17 p.m. A second plane landed safely in New Braunfels shortly after.
Data & Statistics
- Aircraft: Cessna 421C, N291AN; 5 occupants (pilot + 4 passengers).
- Fatalities: 5; crash site: wooded area, Round Rock Road, Wimberley.
- Speed: high rate (preliminary); flight: ~2 hours, ? 420 mi from Amarillo to New Braunfels.
- Weather: mostly cloudy, thunderstorm later; no mid-air collision; distress signal emitted.
On-the-Ground Reports
Stacey Rohr heard a “loud crash…almost like an earthquake…a vibrating” and saw flames. Cecil Keith reported an “engine backfiring – ‘pow, pow, pow’” as the plane passed. Mark Gilmere first assumed a lightning strike before seeing metal fuselage in the fire.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Ruben Becerra said the aircraft was traveling at a high rate of speed and that no mid-air collision is evident. The FAA classified the plane “destroyed.” DPS Sergeant Billy Ray noted the fire indicated severe damage. The NTSB confirmed it will lead the investigation, focusing on the pilot, aircraft and operating environment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the crash time between 11:00 p.m. and 11:25 p.m., and the exact descent profile varies. Victim identities have not been released pending family notification. No cause has been determined; investigators await the NTSB’s preliminary factual report.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Hayes County Homeland Security and Emergency Management office said emergency personnel responded to the scene and added preliminary information indicates the aircraft was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of impact.” — Ruben Becerra, Hays County Judge
- “The plane did catch fire. That would indicate some pretty severe damage,” — Billy Ray, Texas DPS Sergeant
- “It was like a crash, like a loud crash, but almost like an earthquake, too — a vibrating,” — Stacey Rohr, resident
- “When the NTSB investigates an accident, it focuses on three areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment.” — NTSB spokesperson
What’s Next
The NTSB will document the wreckage before moving it to a secure facility. A preliminary factual report is due within 30 days; a final probable-cause report is expected in 12–24 months. The board asks anyone with relevant information to email witness@ntsb.gov.
