The Sierra Sky Park community is once again facing heartbreak after another deadly plane crash brought painful memories of an earlier tragedy back to the surface.
In December 2016, 47-year-old William Huene and 32-year-old Chase Splan were killed when a small plane crashed near Sierra Sky Park. Authorities identified Huene as the pilot and Splan as the passenger. The two men were described as close friends.
The 2016 crash occurred shortly after the plane took off from Sierra Sky Park. The aircraft went down near the San Joaquin River, leading to a lengthy recovery effort and an investigation by the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board.
Now, almost 10 years later, the same area has witnessed another heartbreaking aviation disaster.
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, a small single-engine plane crashed in northwest Fresno near Sierra Sky Park. Four people were aboard. Two children died at the scene, while two adults were critically injured.
One of the injured adults, 41-year-old Danna Eady of Auberry, later died from her injuries. Eady was a flight instructor at Reedley College. The other adult remained critically injured as authorities continued investigating the crash.
The identities of the two children and the surviving adult have not been fully released by authorities.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the latest crash, while officials work to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
For those who remember the 2016 tragedy, the latest crash is another painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary flight can turn into a devastating loss.
William Huene and Chase Splan remain part of Sierra Sky Park's history, remembered alongside the families and communities affected by the latest tragedy.
May all those who lost their lives in these aviation tragedies be remembered with peace and dignity. 🕊️
