Three Dead in Fairview Plane Crash
FAIRVIEW, Ore. — In a tragic incident on Saturday morning, a small plane crashed in a Fairview neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of three people. The crash occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. near the Troutdale Airport, affecting a row of townhouses on Heartwood Circle.
Details of the Crash
According to Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis, the victims included the pilot of the Cessna 421C, a passenger, and a resident from one of the impacted townhouses. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with flames immediately engulfing one of the homes after the plane struck it. Firefighters worked swiftly and had the fires under control within an hour, but not before five families were displaced.
Eyewitness Accounts
Frederick Gilbert, a resident in the area, shared his terrifying experience. He stated he was outside enjoying a smoke when he heard the loud roar of the plane’s engine. “There was an instant fireball. I’ve never seen a fire go so fast. I felt it slam against the side of the building,” Gilbert recounted. “When I came around the corner, there was a huge fireball.”
Initial reports indicated that the plane struck a telephone pole before crashing into the townhouses, scattering debris across the neighborhood. The impact also caused power outages, leaving around 22,000 residents without electricity for several hours on Saturday.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Early indications from audio recordings between the plane and air traffic control reveal that the aircraft experienced troubles almost immediately after takeoff. During the communication, the pilot mentioned they were having “handling problems” and confirmed it was a test flight.
Just before the plane crashed, an air traffic controller asked the pilot to land. A second voice responded, “We’re going to try,” and moments later, another aircraft reported the incident.
History of the Aircraft
A Troutdale Airport attendant who refueled the plane prior to its departure mentioned that the Cessna had been undergoing maintenance recently. The details surrounding its operational status at the time of the crash are likely to be a critical component of the ongoing investigation.
Community Impact
This incident not only resulted in the loss of life but also greatly impacted the community. The fire from the crash forced local authorities to evacuate five families, leaving them in uncertain circumstances. Community support initiatives are expected to start soon to help those affected by this tragedy.
Conclusion
The investigation is still in its early stages, and officials are collecting data and witness statements to piece together what led to this devastating crash. As updates become available, the community remains in shock and mourning over the loss of three lives in this unfortunate event.
