Danna Eady, Fresno pilot killed in small plane crash near Sierra Sky Park Airport. Crash leaves 2 children dead along with adult male as sole survivor. Children killed described as pilot’s son with sole survivor id as husband, Craig.
A small plane crash in Fresno, California has left three people dead, including two children after a single engine craft crashed into the hillside near the Sierra Sky Park Airport.
Initial reports described the deceased as two children along with two critically adults. At the time of the crash, just before 2 p.m, local time, Saturday, September 5, there were four individuals on board the flight.
An update on Sunday from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office told of one of the adults, thought to be the pilot, Danna Eady, 41, of Auberry, CA., dying from her injuries. The fourth person, an adult man according to the release remains in critical condition.
Fresno small plane crash leaves 3 dead, sole survivor
Not immediately clear was the relation of all 4 individuals to each other and where the single engine had taken off from and where it had been heading nor how long the plane had been in the air when it experienced problems.
Reported Your Central Valley: ‘Sheriff’s spokesperson Tony Botti says both the adults were found outside of the plane, suffering from severe injuries.
‘Two children were found in the wreckage and died at the scene. Investigators estimate they were between 8 and 12 years old, but the coroner’s office is working to properly identify them.’
Added the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office: ‘Around 1:50 pm on Saturday, sheriff’s deputies, Fresno firefighters and officers with Fresno Police responded to a report of a plane crash. They arrived on the 7300 block of N. Blythe Ave. and discovered a fixed wing single-engine airplane on fire atop the bluff of the San Joaquin River. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames and prevent them from spreading onto the properties of nearby homes.’
Motivational speaker, pilot instructor part of Sky Park aviation family
News of Danna Eady succumbing to her injuries led to one social media user, Julie Moradian posting: ‘Now that the pilot’s name has been publicly released, I can acknowledge that we have lost a dear friend and an important member of our aviation family. I am not going to discuss any other details or repeat unconfirmed information. Please keep the family of Danna Eady and our Sky Park aviation family in your prayers.’
Another post described the two children killed as the sons of Danna.
Wrote Leah Moore: ‘Dear friends and family, a very, very special family to our family was struck with tragedy yesterday. My dear friend Danna, her two youngest boys Remus and Pavel lost their lives in a plane crash yesterday. Their husband and dad, Craig, survived the crash but has a very long road to recovery. Their surviving children children, Felicity and Lucien, need all the support they can get. If you are able, please consider donating, if you can’t donate, please share.’
A shared post dated on April 2025 titled, ‘EAA Chapter 375 is at Sierra Sky Airport’ posted, ‘Lunch and motivational/speaker Danna Eady.
‘With perfect flying weather and a delicious lunch of pulled-pork sandwiches, coleslaw, and potato salad, 43+ members and friends joined as Danna shared her story as a dedicated mom, business owner, and aviation enthusiast who embarked on a journey from student pilot to certified flight instructor in just 11 months. Balancing the demands of motherhood and running a small business, Danna discussed her journey of pursuing a dream in aviation. Danna started her pilot journey 18 months ago, is now a private pilot with over 500 hours and has added, instrument, commercial, and CFI.’
Shared images next to the post showed Eady standing alongside a child next to a single engine aircraft.
Authorities to date have not commented whether the two children killed in Saturday’s plane crash were Eady’s children.
Flight instructor, aviation entrepreneur
Stated Danna Eady’s Linkedin profile page in part, ‘I’m a flight instructor, aviation entrepreneur, and community advocate with a career spanning aviation, education, and business leadership. I currently serve as a Flight Instructor at Reedley College, where I deliver modern, student-centered flight training and maintain the highest level of safety practices.
‘Notably, I’m qualified to teach in the only FAA-approved electric airplane, reflecting my commitment to innovation and the future of aviation. Whether instructing, building businesses, or mentoring youth, I’m driven by a passion for education, service, and expanding access to aviation.’
The page showed Eady being a certified flight instructor since August 2025.
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