Tragedy struck the small city of Fairview, Oregon, on Saturday morning when a twin-engine Cessna 421C crashed into a row of townhouses, killing three people and igniting a fire that destroyed multiple homes. The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. near Troutdale Airport, just east of Portland, and sent shockwaves through the local community.
Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis reported that the fire, sparked by the crash, spread quickly to at least four homes, leaving six families without a place to live. Two people were treated for injuries at the scene, but further details about their condition have not been released. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that two people were on board the plane at the time of the crash, and initial reports suggested that one resident of the townhouses was unaccounted for. The death toll was later confirmed to be three.
The crash also caused a separate brush fire when the plane knocked down a utility pole and power lines as it went down. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office described the scene as devastating, with the plane breaking apart on impact and debris scattered across the neighborhood.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has begun an investigation into the incident, sending two investigators to document the wreckage and determine the cause of the crash. As the investigation continues, the community of Fairview, a town of about 10,000 people, is left to cope with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
Troutdale Airport, where the plane took off, is managed by the Port of Portland and is mainly used for flight training and recreational purposes. The crash has raised concerns about the safety of small planes operating near residential areas.
