Staff Report
(Editor's Note: This story has been updated as of 4:55 p.m. Friday, May 1, to include information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration)
WIMBERLEY — An investigation is underway following the death of five occupants in a small plane crash that occurred late Thursday, April 30, at a residence on Round Rock Road near Wimberley.
A Cessna 421C aircraft crashed in Wimberley around 11:25 p.m., according to preliminary information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft departed from Amarillo and was en route to New Braunfels, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Emergency responders were dispatched to the area, including Wimberley Fire Rescue — Hays County Emergency Services District No. 4 — who responded to the incident April 30 and stayed on scene through May 1.
“From the initial dispatch through the duration of the incident, our personnel operated alongside local, county, state and federal partners in a coordinated effort focused on life safety, scene stabilization and support to the ongoing investigative process,” said fire chief Christopher Robbins in a statement.
Preliminary information indicates the aircraft was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of impact, according to Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra in a news release. According to the release, based on current findings, there is no indication of a mid-air collision and a second aircraft traveling in the vicinity landed safely in New Braunfels.
Texas DPS is conducting an active investigation with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) — who is leading the investigation — into the cause of the crash.
According to NTSB, a post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft. NTSB stated that its investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. As part of this process, investigators will gather the following information and records:
- Flight track data
- Recordings of any air traffic control communications
- Aircraft maintenance records
- Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident
- Pilot’s license, ratings and recency of flight experience
- 72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to safely operate the flight
- Witness statements
- Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation
- Any available surveillance video, including from doorbell cameras
An NTSB investigator is traveling to the accident site and, after the wreckage is documented at the crash location, it will be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation.
Out of respect for the families of those involved, the identities of the individuals who were on board are not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin, Becerra continued.
According to Robbins, the fire department will not be releasing additional details on the incident at this time, but is working closely with the appropriate authorities to ensure all information is accurate, verified and released through the proper channels for the public. He added that they also extend their thoughts and prayers to those impacted.
“The grief associated with such a tragic and unfortunate event is profound and, at times, indescribable. Please know that you are not alone and that your fire department stands with you not only during the emergency, but in the days and weeks that follow,” the fire chief said. “We remain committed to serving this community with honor and dedication, and we will continue to provide support in any way we can as this situation progresses.”
A preliminary report from NTSB is expected within 30 days of the accident. Once a publication date is set, it will be available at www.ntsb.gov/safety/data/Pages/daily-publication-dashboard.aspx and x.com/NTSB_Newsroom.
The preliminary report will contain factual information gathered during the initial phase of the NTSB investigation. A probable cause of the crash along with any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12-24 months, according to NTSB.
Additionally, the FAA will post a preliminary accident/incident report, typically the next day, at bit.ly/4tN0on6.
Those with information that could be relevant to the investigation is asked to contact NTSB at [email protected].
The News-Dispatch will provide updates as more information is made available.
