Three Dead After Small Plane Crashes into Residential Neighborhood in Portland Suburb
A tragic accident occurred on Saturday when a small, twin-engine plane crashed into a residential neighborhood in Fairview, a suburb of Portland, Oregon. The crash resulted in the deaths of three individuals—two people on board the aircraft and one person on the ground, according to authorities.
The plane, identified as a Cessna 421C, reportedly experienced mechanical problems before crashing into a row of townhouses near Heartwood Circle, as stated by the Gresham Fire Department. Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis confirmed on Sunday that the pilot and a passenger of the aircraft, along with a resident of one of the impacted townhouses, lost their lives in the accident. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.
The crash took place around 10:20 a.m. local time, near Troutdale Airport. After hitting a power pole or tower, the plane ignited a brush fire before crashing into a building of connected townhomes, causing a fire that spread to two structures and eventually a fourth, as detailed by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office during a news conference.
The accident has displaced at least five families, with another condo still under evaluation for safety, according to Chief Lewis. Additionally, two transmission lines from Portland General Electric were reported down as a result of the crash, which left debris scattered across multiple areas.
Fairview, located approximately 15 miles northeast of Portland, witnessed a dramatic scene of thick smoke and burning homes following the crash. Authorities, including the sheriff’s office, have secured the area to facilitate an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Photos from the scene depict the intense aftermath, showing smoke billowing and homes engulfed in flames. The FAA’s ongoing investigation aims to determine the exact cause of the crash and assess the damage caused to the affected area.
