David Zweigle was the assistant City Manager in Tehachapi, but he also served as the operations manager at the Tehachapi Airport. His true passion though was flying.
Tragically on Saturday, the father of two was killed during an air show, his family is remembering him.
But so to are neighbors who witnessed the crash, many calling the actions of the pilot heroic.
"He was an outgoing guy, always had a smile on his face never met a stranger." said Douglas Zweigle.
And it's that charisma, and love for life Zweigle says he'll miss most about his brother.
"It's a tough time for all the families involved, we thank the community of Tehachapi for all their support, our hearts go out to the other pilot that was with my brother." said Zweigle.
Family members say Zweigle was all about flying, receiving his pilots license after his 19th birthday.
He spent time on the east coast working as a commercial pilot, but later settled in to a much slower paced life in the quaint town of Tehachapi where he lived with his two children and wife.
Tragically Zweigle, along with a flight instructor were killed after their plane plummeted toward the ground on the fourth of July.
The two had just returned from performing aerial stunts at a parade in Tehachapi.
"I think he aimed for the road to miss the houses he's a hero." said Kenyon Kemp who witnessed the crash.
One day after the horrific scene, neighbors are praising the efforts on Zweigle, and the flight instructor for what they call selfless, and heroic actions.
"I think he made the decision to sacrifice instead of others and it's really something not everybody might do." said neighbor Bill Schmiedeke.
Max Valentino says his kids play just feet from where the plane landed.
"From what I can see, from where the plane came to rest, he must have done something extraordinary to not hit anyone's houses, I don't think you can be much braver then that." said Valentino.
He along with other neighbors are sending out their thoughts and prayers to the family.
"The people that have called me saying is your house ok your kids ok, and then people are talking about how about the pilot's family think that is how Tehachapi is."
A community brought closer together, knowing one of their own may have saved countless lives.
Zweigle leaves behind his two kids, wife Julie, his mom and his two brothers.
