Fresno, United States: A small Grumman American Aviation Corp. AA-5 crashed shortly after takeoff from Sierra Sky Park Airport in northwest Fresno, California, on Saturday, September 5, 2026 killing flight instructor Danna Eady and her two young sons and leaving her husband critically injured. The aircraft crashed near the San Joaquin River and caught fire, prompting a large emergency response from local fire and law-enforcement agencies. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the accident.
The crash occurred at about 1:50 p.m. local time near the 7300 block of North Blythe Avenue, close to Sierra Sky Park Airport. Authorities said the aircraft impacted terrain approximately 200 yards beyond the end of the runway and came to rest on an embankment overlooking the San Joaquin River. Early reports initially put the time at noon, but subsequent reporting from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and local media placed the crash at approximately 1:50 p.m.
The aircraft was a fixed-wing, single-engine Grumman American Aviation Corp. AA-5. The NTSB has classified the accident as an aircraft that impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Sierra Sky Park. However, investigators have not released a probable cause, and there is currently no official finding that the crash resulted from an engine failure, mechanical malfunction, pilot error or another specific factor.
Four people were aboard the aircraft. The occupants were later identified through official and family information as 41-year-old Danna Eady of Auberry, her husband Craig Eady, and their two youngest sons, Pavel, 10, and Remus, 13. Pavel and Remus were killed in the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene. Danna Eady was critically injured and transported to hospital but later died from her injuries. Craig survived with severe injuries and remains hospitalized in critical condition. The identification of the children and Craig as the other occupants was reported through the family’s SupportNow campaign, while authorities had initially withheld their identities.
Eady was an experienced member of the Fresno-area aviation community. She was a certified flight instructor in Reedley College’s Flight Science Department and also served as president of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 376, which is based at Sierra Sky Park. She had joined Reedley College’s flight science department in 2025.
The emergency response began after authorities received reports of the crash. Fresno County Sheriff’s Office personnel, Fresno Fire Department units, Fresno Police Department officers and North Central Fire Department crews responded. According to Deputy Fire Marshal Jay Tracy, emergency crews found the aircraft on the river embankment approximately 200 yards beyond the runway. Water-rescue personnel and an Urban Search and Rescue team were also called to assist.
Firefighters found the aircraft burning on the bluff. Crews immediately worked to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading into nearby residential properties. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office later said, “Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames and prevent them from spreading onto the properties of nearby homes.”
Two adults were rescued from the aircraft area and transported to Community Regional Medical Center in critical condition. The two children were found in the wreckage and pronounced dead at the scene. Approximately 20 law-enforcement vehicles and 10 fire engines responded, according to local reporting.
The crash also affected local infrastructure. Approximately 1,700 homes temporarily lost power following the incident, with Pacific Gas & Electric crews responding to the area. A safety perimeter was established around the wreckage so investigators could examine and document the scene.
Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi described the incident as “a rare and tragic situation in northwest Fresno.” He also said, “My immediate concern is for the survivors of this heart wrenching situation,” while expressing support for the affected family and first responders.
The NTSB has taken the lead in the federal investigation, with the FAA also involved. An NTSB investigator traveled from Phoenix to the crash site to begin the investigation. Investigators are expected to document the wreckage before it is recovered and moved to a secure facility for additional examination. A preliminary report is expected within about 30 days, although the complete investigation could take considerably longer. Fresno County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Tony Botti said the final NTSB report could take up to a year.
The exact sequence leading to the crash remains unknown. Investigators have established that the aircraft departed Sierra Sky Park and impacted terrain shortly afterward, but authorities have not yet explained what happened during the takeoff or initial flight. No official cause has been announced, and investigators will have to determine whether mechanical, operational, environmental or other factors contributed to the accident.
Reedley College confirmed Eady’s connection to its Flight Science Department. College President Dr. Jerry Buckley said, “Our flight science program is a very close group, and we will do everything we can to give them all the resources and time they need to grieve.” The college also said flight science classes would be cancelled on Tuesday and counseling support would be provided to students and staff.
Eady was also remembered by Nick Wilcox, owner of Soar Paso Flight School and a fellow flight instructor. Wilcox described her as “a very special soul” and said she had been a major presence in the Fresno flying community. He also recalled her passion for aviation and said, “Her dream was to fly.”
The investigation remains active. Until the NTSB releases additional factual findings, the circumstances that caused the aircraft to leave its intended flight path and impact the terrain remain undetermined.
