Five people were killed late Thursday night when a small plane went down near Wimberley, according to Hays County officials. Emergency crews were dispatched shortly after 11:05 p.m. and stayed on scene through the night and into Friday morning, working under floodlights to secure the wreckage and begin the difficult process of identifying the victims.
Preliminary information shared by authorities indicates the aircraft hit the ground at a high rate of speed, with no sign of a midair collision. Investigators remained at the crash site overnight as they documented debris and coordinated with federal agencies.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra wrote on Facebook that responders were sent after reports of “an aircraft down” and that the plane, identified as a Cessna 421C, had five people aboard who did not survive, according to CBS Austin. He added that fire and EMS units remained at the scene into the morning and that the FAA and NTSB had been notified.
Becerra also noted that a second aircraft in the area landed safely in New Braunfels, according to CBS Austin. The outlet reported that a news crew was headed to the scene for on-the-ground coverage as the situation unfolded.
About the aircraft
The Cessna 421C is a pressurized, twin-engine light transport that is commonly used for private or business trips and is typically configured for six to seven seats. Many 421 models were built decades ago, which is why investigators often focus on maintenance records, pilot certification and engine data when examining crashes involving this type of aircraft.
For additional technical background on the 421C, including design history and performance details, see Wikipedia.
Investigation and next steps
Early indications are that the plane was traveling at a high rate of speed at impact and that there is no evidence of a midair collision, according to CBS Austin. The FAA and NTSB have been notified, and a full federal investigation is underway.
As explained on its public investigation pages, the NTSB typically posts a preliminary factual report within about 30 days, while a final report that identifies probable cause can take many months to complete. NTSB investigators are expected to document the wreckage, gather physical evidence and interview any witnesses as they piece together what happened in the final moments of the flight.
Local authorities have asked the public to steer clear of the crash area so first responders and investigators can work safely. Anyone who may have video, photos or other information related to the flight has been urged to share it with investigators through official channels.
