A small plane crash in a residential neighborhood of Fairview, Oregon, has left three people dead and multiple homes destroyed by fire. The tragic incident took place on Saturday morning around 10:30 a.m. when a twin-engine Cessna 421C crashed into a row of townhouses near Troutdale Airport, located just east of Portland.
The crash triggered a fire that quickly spread through the homes, displacing up to six families. Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis reported that four homes were heavily damaged, with two individuals treated for injuries at the scene. The extent of their injuries has not been detailed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane was carrying two people when it went down, and one resident of the affected homes was initially unaccounted for. Authorities later confirmed that three people had lost their lives in the crash.
As the plane descended, it struck a utility pole and power lines, causing a brush fire in a nearby field. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office described the scene as one of devastation, with the plane breaking apart on impact and debris scattered throughout the neighborhood.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash, with two investigators dispatched to document the wreckage and determine what caused the plane to go down. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and further details have not been released.
Troutdale Airport, where the plane is believed to have taken off, is a facility used primarily for flight training and recreational aviation, according to the Port of Portland. The crash has left the small community of Fairview, home to around 10,000 residents, in shock as they grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event.
