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Five people died late Thursday night after a small plane crashed near Wimberley, about 30 miles southwest of Austin, Texas, according to authorities. The accident occurred around 11:03 p.m., when emergency crews responded to reports of a downed aircraft in a wooded area near Round Rock Road and FM 2325.
Officials identified the aircraft as a Cessna 421C that had departed from Amarillo and was heading to New Braunfels. All five people on board were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not been released as authorities are notifying next of kin.
The plane was destroyed by a post-impact fire, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Investigators say preliminary information indicates the plane was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of impact, and there is no evidence of a mid-air collision. A second aircraft flying nearby landed safely in New Braunfels.
The flight had been airborne for nearly two hours before the incident. Air Traffic Control audio revealed that another pilot traveling with the Cessna noted erratic movements before its disappearance from radar. The Cessna’s emergency locator beacon transmitted a distress signal, prompting authorities to respond.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB are leading the investigation. The NTSB said an investigator is on the way to the scene and will examine the pilot’s background, aircraft maintenance records, and flight data to determine what caused the crash. The wreckage will be moved to a secure facility for further analysis.
Authorities will release more information as the investigation continues.