Tragic Small Plane Crash Kills Three in Fairview Neighbourhood
A small plane crash rocked a Fairview neighbourhood on Saturday morning, leaving three dead. The victims include the pilot, a passenger, and a resident of one of the townhouses hit by the aircraft. The horrific accident happened around 10:20 a.m. near Troutdale Airport and has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Test Flight Turns Deadly: Cessna 421C Ploughs Into Townhouses
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 421C on a test flight when it crashed into a row of townhouses on Heartwood Circle, officials from Portland confirmed. Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis later identified the three fatalities. The crash completely engulfed one home in flames and displaced five families.
- One townhouse was totally engulfed in fire
- Power outage affected 22,000 residents after the plane hit a telephone pole
- Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within an hour
Harrowing Eyewitness Account of Fireball Explosion
Witness Frederick Gilbert described the chaos: “There was an instant fireball. I’ve never seen a fire go so fast. I felt it slam against the side of the building. When I came around the corner, there was a huge fireball.”
Investigators Probe Handling Problems During Test Flight
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA launched an investigation immediately. Audio recordings reveal the pilot reported handling problems during the test flight just two miles from takeoff at Troutdale Airport.
“We’re having some handling problems – this is a test flight,” the pilot said. When urged to land, a voice replied, “We’re going to try.” Seconds later, another aircraft reported the crash.
An airport attendant confirmed the plane had recently been in and out of maintenance. This detail could be key in uncovering what caused this deadly crash.
Fairview Community in Shock as Support Rallies for Displaced Families
The tragic accident has left the Fairview area reeling. Officials are working to provide aid to displaced families and ensure a swift investigation. More updates will follow as authorities piece together the cause of this devastating event.
