Auberry Family of Four Killed in Fresno Plane Crash After Aborted Takeoff and Radio Problem

A devastating plane crash near Sierra Sky Park in Fresno, California, claimed the lives of an Auberry family of four on September 5, 2026. Investigators have now released preliminary findings outlining what happened before the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff.

The victims were identified as 41-year-old pilot Danna Eady, her 44-year-old husband, Craig Eady, and their two young sons, Pavel and Remus. The family was aboard a Grumman American Aviation AA-5 aircraft when the plane crashed near the San Joaquin River.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report, the aircraft initially began its takeoff from Sierra Sky Park Airport but aborted the attempt approximately halfway down the runway. The plane continued toward the end of the runway, turned around, and returned to the owner’s residence.

The report stated that Danna Eady subsequently contacted the aircraft’s owner about a radio-related problem. The owner contacted a mechanic, who arrived to inspect the aircraft before it was seen taxiing toward the runway for a second takeoff attempt.

During the second departure, witnesses reportedly observed the aircraft pitching into a steep, nose-high attitude. They told investigators that the engine sounded weak, although they did not report hearing misfiring or sputtering.

The aircraft reportedly climbed only around 30 to 40 feet above ground level and remained at a low altitude beyond the runway before striking trees approximately 1,000 feet northwest of the runway’s departure end. The plane then crashed and caught fire.

Emergency responders rushed to the crash site, where firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties. The two children died at the scene, while Danna and Craig Eady were transported to a hospital with critical injuries. Danna later died from her injuries, followed by Craig on September 7.

Danna Eady was remembered as a flight instructor, mentor, and member of the local aviation community. Colleagues described her as calm, kind, and passionate about helping others learn to fly. Her death also deeply affected students and fellow instructors at Reedley College, where she worked as a flight instructor.

The NTSB has not yet identified a probable cause for the crash. Although the preliminary report describes the reported radio problem, the aborted takeoff, and the aircraft’s limited climb during the second attempt, it does not establish whether a mechanical issue, engine performance, operational decision, or another factor caused the accident.

Investigators emphasized that the report is preliminary and that the information may change as the investigation continues. The official cause of the crash remains undetermined.

Source: abc7NY