Small Plane Crashes into Oregon Townhouses, Sparking Fires
A twin-engine Cessna crashed near Portland, igniting fires in multiple townhomes. Authorities report one resident missing and two people treated at the scene, as investigations continue.
A Cessna 421C twin-engine aircraft crashed into a row of townhouses in Fairview, Oregon, approximately 30 minutes east of Portland, on Saturday morning. The incident, which occurred just before 10:30 a.m., resulted in multiple fires and left at least one resident unaccounted for.
Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis reported that the crash caused significant structural damage to several townhomes, complicating rescue and firefighting efforts. The impact affected at least four residences, displacing up to six families. Two individuals received on-site medical attention, though the nature and severity of their injuries were not disclosed.
The aircraft, believed to be carrying two occupants, struck a utility pole during its descent, severing power lines and igniting a separate brush fire in a nearby field. The plane itself was split into multiple parts upon impact in the residential area.
Interestingly, Lewis noted that the Troutdale Airport control tower staff first alerted emergency services after observing a thick plume of smoke. However, no distress call or mayday signal was reportedly received from the aircraft prior to the crash.
"The twin-engine Cessna 421C went down near Troutdale Airport at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time."
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken charge of the investigation into this incident. As of now, the agency is in the process of gathering information and has not released any official statements regarding the cause of the crash.
Troutdale Airport, described as a "flight training and recreational airport" by the Port of Portland, is one of four airports operated by the port in the Portland metropolitan area. Such facilities often feature shorter runways and less air traffic compared to larger commercial airports.
This incident highlights the potential risks associated with general aviation and the challenges faced by emergency responders in urban areas. The combination of a plane crash, structural fires, and downed power lines presented a complex scenario for firefighters and rescue teams to navigate.
As investigations continue, authorities will likely focus on factors such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, and pilot experience to determine the cause of this tragic event. The impact on the local community, particularly the displaced families, serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of aviation accidents in residential areas.
