WIMBERLEY, TX – On the night of Thursday, April 30, 2026, a tragic aviation accident claimed the lives of five prominent members of the Amarillo community. The group was traveling to a pickleball tournament in New Braunfels when their aircraft went down in the Texas Hill Country.
Incident Date & Time
The crash occurred on April 30, 2026, at approximately 11:03 PM.
Incident Location
The wreckage was discovered in a rural, wooded area of Wimberley, Texas, specifically in the 200 block of Round Rock Road (near Ledgerock Road and FM 2325). This location is roughly 40 miles southwest of Austin.
The Victims
The five individuals on board were all active members of the Amarillo Pickleball Club:
- Hayden Dillard: A well-known Amarillo businesswoman and owner of a manufactured home dealership. She was a mother of two and a competitive athlete.
- Justin “Glen” Appling: The pilot of the aircraft and Hayden Dillard’s business partner. He was an experienced member of the local aviation and sports communities.
- Brooke Skypala: A local trauma counselor and mother who frequently competed in doubles tournaments with Dillard.
- Stacy Hedrick: A long-time figure in the Amarillo pickleball scene, often referred to by her community as “Rippy.”
- Seren Wilson: A 22-year-old former state champion tennis player from Amarillo High School who had recently transitioned into competitive pickleball.
Crash Details
The aircraft was a Cessna 421C, a twin-engine plane. Flight tracking data shows that while cruising at 17,400 feet, the aircraft entered a sudden and rapid descent, dropping over 5,000 feet per minute before disappearing from radar.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft hit the ground at a high rate of speed, and a post-impact fire broke out shortly after. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities are examining the role of mechanical performance and regional weather conditions at the time of the flight.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends during this time of tragic loss. We stand with our community in offering our sincere thoughts and prayers to all those affected.
