FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Danna Eady, the Reedley College flight instructor killed in Saturday’s plane crash near Sierra Sky Park, is being remembered as a calm pilot, passionate teacher and mentor who left a lasting mark on the Central Valley aviation community.
Eady, 41, died after the plane she was flying crashed shortly after takeoff. Her husband, Craig Eady, 44, and their two youngest children also died from injuries suffered in the crash.
John Krikorian, acting president of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 376, served alongside Eady on the organization’s board and said her calm demeanor was one of the qualities that stood out most.
She was very helpful, very kind … always very calm and cool and collected, which is what you want in a pilot,
Krikorian said.
Federal investigators are now examining the wreckage, electronic devices and witness videos as they work to determine what caused the crash. Here is a timeline of what we know:
Saturday, Sept. 5: Plane crashes near Sierra Sky Park
Around 1:50 p.m., Fresno County sheriff’s deputies, Fresno firefighters and Fresno police officers responded to a reported plane crash near the 7300 block of North Blythe Avenue.
First responders found a single engine plane on fire atop a bluff overlooking the San Joaquin River.
Four people were on board: Craig and Danna Eady of Auberry and their two youngest sons.
The two boys were pronounced dead at the scene. Craig and Danna were taken to Community Regional Medical Center with critical injuries.
According to GV Wire, the crash also caused a power outage affecting about 1,700 customers.
Saturday night: Danna Eady dies
Danna Eady, 41, died at the hospital from her injuries.
Eady was a flight instructor at Reedley College and a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Reedley College said the crash did not involve one of its aircraft or any of its students. The college described Eady as a mentor and role model to its flight science students.
Sunday, Sept. 6: NTSB begins investigation
A National Transportation Safety Board investigator arrived Sunday morning and began documenting the crash site.
The NTSB identified the aircraft as a Grumman American Aviation Corp. AA-5 and said it crashed shortly after takeoff from Sierra Sky Park.
Investigators recovered several electronic devices from the plane and are sending them to NTSB headquarters for further analysis.
The NTSB also obtained multiple witness videos and interviewed witnesses. The wreckage was later moved to a secure facility for further examination.
Monday, Sept. 7: Craig Eady dies
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday that Craig Eady, 44, died from his injuries.
His death brought the number of people killed in the crash to four.
GV Wire reports Craig and Danna also have two older children, an 18 year old and a 17 year old.
What happens next
The NTSB is continuing its investigation into what caused the plane to crash shortly after takeoff.
The agency said its next update will be a preliminary report, which is expected within 30 days of the crash.