Wimberley, TX – The tragic story of Justin “Glen” Appling is one of a community leader whose life was defined by laughter, business success, and a love for the sport of pickleball. As the pilot of the aircraft that went down on April 30, 2026, he is remembered not just for the final flight, but for the vibrant presence he brought to Amarillo, Texas.
Justin “Glen” Appling: A Life of Laughter and Ambition
Born in 1988, Justin Appling was a 38-year-old entrepreneur and pilot who was widely known by his middle name, “Glen.” He was the co-owner of a successful manufactured home dealership in Amarillo, which he operated alongside his business partner and longtime mixed-doubles pickleball teammate, Hayden Dillard.
Friends and fellow athletes described Glen as the “life of the party.” Whether he was on the court or at the office, he was known for his sharp wit and his ability to make everyone around him laugh. He was a cornerstone of the Amarillo Pickleball Club, frequently traveling across the country to compete in national tournaments.
Incident Date & Time
The accident occurred on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at approximately 11:03 PM.
Incident Location
The aircraft crashed in a heavily wooded area of the Texas Hill Country in Wimberley, Texas. The wreckage was specifically located in the 200 block of Round Rock Road, near the intersection of Ledgerock Road and FM 2325. This site is roughly 40 miles southwest of Austin.
The Victims
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that five individuals were killed in the crash, all of whom were friends and members of the same local sports community:
- Justin Appling (The Pilot)
- Hayden Dillard
- Brooke Skypala
- Stacy Hedrick
- Seren Wilson
The Final Flight
Glen was piloting a Cessna 421C, a pressurized twin-engine aircraft. The group had departed from Amarillo earlier that evening and was flying to the New Braunfels National Airport to participate in the “Cranky Pickle” tournament.
Data indicates the plane was cruising steadily at 17,400 feet before it suddenly began a violent and rapid descent. Flight records show the aircraft was dropping at a rate of more than 5,000 feet per minute before disappearing from radar. A distress signal from the plane’s emergency locator was picked up by another pilot in the area, leading to the notification of emergency services.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are currently investigating the cause of the tragedy, focusing on the aircraft’s mechanical logs and the weather conditions at the time, which included thunderstorms in the region shortly after the impact.
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.
