Fresno, CA – On the afternoon of Saturday, September 5, 2026, a single-aircraft crash resulted in the deaths of a family of four, according to KSEE/KGPE.
Those who lost their lives in the crash have been identified as Danna Eady, Craig Eady, and their children, Remus and Pavel.
The National Transportation Safety Board reports that the accident took place shortly after takeoff from Sierra Sky Park Airport, a residential airpark community in northwest Fresno. Authorities said the family was scheduled to fly from Fresno to Atwater that afternoon, with Danna Eady serving as pilot.
According to the NTSB’s preliminary report, the plane first aborted a takeoff attempt and returned to the owner’s home because of a radio issue. The report did not state whether that issue was resolved before the plane taxied down the runway again.
During the second takeoff attempt, the plane gained altitude and was seen at roughly 30 feet above ground level. Witnesses told investigators the engine sounded weak, though they did not report any misfires or sputtering. Later video showed the plane at about 40 feet, and investigators described it as pitched up hard into a nose-high attitude.
The plane then came down approximately 1,000 feet northwest of the departure end of the runway, striking a large branch near the top of a 40-foot-tall tree. As a result of the crash, all four people aboard lost their lives. The nose landing gear broke off and was found near the trees, and the wreckage has since been moved to a secure facility for further examination.
Danna Eady was also an instructor at Reedley College, where officials described her as a mentor to all of the school’s flight science students. A funeral has since been held for the Eady family.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The investigation remains ongoing.
Fresno Aircraft Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law follows the principle of comparative negligence. This means that even if a pilot is found partially at fault for an aviation accident, the surviving family members may still pursue compensation if the negligence of another party, such as a maintenance error, a defective engine component, or an inadequately repaired system, contributed to the crash. Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board examine mechanical, environmental, and pilot-related factors to determine the cause.
Because witnesses described a weak-sounding engine and the preliminary report leaves open whether the earlier radio issue was resolved, the aircraft’s maintenance and repair history, along with the engine examination now underway, could prove central to understanding what went wrong.
The families of those who lost their lives may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, near Sierra Sky Park Airport, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
