On Sunday, May 4, at approximately 2:15 PDT, air show performer and Hollister Airshow friend, Eddie Andreini was fatally injured in an accident at the Thunder Over Solano Air Show and Open House at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. Andreini was preparing to perform an inverted ribbon cut at the time of the accident. The Hollister Airshow Committee is deeply saddened by the loss of our friend. Eddie was the quintessential gentleman and loved spending time with aviation enthusiasts and his airshow fans. Eddie referred to everyone he met as members of his “Airshow Family”. Eddie spent many hours with our local scouts, teaching them about planes and flying. Hollister scouts have been entertained by his stories and enjoyed climbing into his planes. The Hollister Airshow Committee’s thoughts are with Eddie and his family.
While Eddie was a true airshow professional and understood the risks involved, it is important to note that no spectators or ground crew were injured in the accident. The safety precautions reviewed and implemented at air shows each year, minimize the risk to all participants and spectators. The National Transportation Safety Board has begun an investigation into the cause of the accident. The Hollister Airshow Committee is planning a tribute to our friend at this year’s airshow.