Students and fellow pilots are remembering Danna Eady as a dedicated flight instructor, mentor and advocate for aspiring aviators following a plane crash in northwest Fresno that killed her, two of her children and later, her husband.<\/p>\n
Eady was piloting a single-engine plane departing Sierra Sky Park Airport shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday when it crashed on the bluff above the San Joaquin River, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. The aircraft caught fire, and her two youngest children were later found inside. Eady and her husband, Craig, were taken to a hospital. Danna Eady died Saturday evening, and Craig Eady died Monday afternoon.<\/p>\n
For many in the Central Valley aviation community, Eady’s impact extended far beyond the cockpit.<\/p>\n
Zaid Shalaldeh, a flight instructor and charter pilot, said he spent more than 1,000 hours flying with Eady, who was one of his instructors.<\/p>\n
“Danna was a really great pilot. I did my commercial training with her. She was my commercial instructor, taught me how to fly to a really high standard, to the point where I passed my check first try,” Shalaldeh said.<\/p>\n
Shalaldeh said his relationship with Eady and her family grew over years of travel and training together.<\/p>\n
“I’m truly sorry for them and what they’re going through. And her kids are great friends of mine,” he said. “They’re like siblings to me.”<\/p>\n
From Oregon to Utah to Texas and elsewhere, Shalaldeh said he often flew with Eady and credited her with helping shape his aviation career.<\/p>\n
“She’s a great person. She didn’t deserve what happened…she did a lot for the community,” he said.<\/p>\n
Eady taught future pilots through Reedley College’s flight science program. She also served as president of the Experimental Aircraft Association chapter at Sierra Sky Park, where she volunteered to help guide young pilots pursuing careers in aviation.<\/p>\n
“She really, really took care of me. She treated me like I was one of her children. And it means the world to me,” Shalaldeh said.<\/p>\n
Among those mourning her loss is Reedley College student Daniel Armenta, who said Eady had been a constant source of support since his first day in the program.<\/p>\n
“Dana’s an amazing pilot. She’s like the safest pilot I’ve ever met,” Armenta said.<\/p>\n
“We just can’t believe the news,” he added. “Everyone’s very devastated. It’s a very sad day for the aviation community around California because she knew everybody. I don’t know how she did, but she knew the whole world.”<\/p>\n
Armenta said Eady’s influence reached beyond flight instruction.<\/p>\n
“We were so close. She was like my mom. She was more than just an instructor to me. She was like my mom, my mentor, my best friend. Like if I needed someone to talk to, I know if I called her she would answer right away,” he said.<\/p>\n
Despite the loss, Armenta said Eady’s encouragement still motivates him.<\/p>\n
“Now this gives me the courage to pursue it even more. Because I know if she were to still be here, she would still be pushing me, telling me to keep going,” he said.<\/p>\n
“She’s looking over me now, and I know she still wants me to keep going,” Armenta said. “With her watching over me, I know she’s going to be very proud of me once I reach those goals.”<\/p>\n
Reedley College President Jerry Buckley said in a statement that Eady was “a tremendous certified flight instructor” and said the college community would “miss her greatly.” The college also pledged to keep her memory alive through students who complete the program and move on to aviation careers.<\/p>\n
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.<\/p>\n
Friends and family have set up a support campaign to help with funeral and other expenses for the Eady family.<\/p>\n
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