FAIRVIEW, Ore. — A small plane crashed into a residential neighborhood in Fairview on Saturday morning, leading to a devastating fire and the loss of three lives. The tragic incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. when a twin-engine Cessna 421C, with two people onboard, struck a set of power lines before slamming into a row of townhomes near the Troutdale Airport.
Fire officials reported that the crash resulted in a fire that spread rapidly, affecting four townhome units. The blaze created a chaotic scene as thick smoke billowed into the sky, drawing the attention of nearby residents and emergency responders. By Saturday evening, authorities confirmed three fatalities, though details about the deceased were still pending.
The crash had a widespread impact on the community. When the plane hit the power lines, it caused a significant power outage, leaving around 9,000 residents without electricity for several hours. Portland General Electric (PGE) crews worked diligently to restore power, with service returning to most affected customers by 3 p.m. that day. PGE later reported that their teams were coordinating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to safely assess the damage before beginning any necessary repairs.
Witnesses described the aftermath as terrifying. Video footage captured by residents showed multiple townhome units engulfed in flames. Debris from the crash was scattered across a large area, with some pieces of the plane breaking off after hitting the power lines. This debris field further complicated the situation, making it difficult for firefighters to navigate the scene safely.
Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis provided additional details, noting that the fire’s intensity and the hot weather conditions required a massive response. The incident was classified as a five-alarm fire, which means that fire crews from multiple departments, including Portland Fire & Rescue and the Vancouver Fire Department, were called in to assist. The high temperatures that day made it challenging for firefighters, who needed frequent breaks to avoid overheating.
Chief Lewis also explained that the crash caused significant structural damage to the townhomes, which limited the ability of firefighters to work inside the buildings. Instead, they focused on exterior operations, using ladder trucks to douse the flames from above. The initial reports from the Troutdale Airport control tower indicated a large column of smoke, which suggested that fuel from the plane might have contributed to the fire’s intensity.
One townhome resident was reported missing, adding to the tragedy. Authorities were still working to confirm the identities of those who lost their lives. Meanwhile, multiple people were reported injured, but the extent of their injuries remained unclear.
In addition to the structural damage to the townhomes, the power lines struck by the plane also fell into a nearby field, sparking a small brush fire. Fortunately, this fire was quickly contained and did not spread far, according to Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy John Plock.
The NTSB is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Investigators will examine the wreckage and interview witnesses to determine what led to this devastating event. The agency is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days, but a full investigation may take months.
As the community of Fairview mourns the loss of life and begins the process of rebuilding, questions remain about what caused the plane to crash and whether anything could have been done to prevent this tragedy. The crash serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers of aviation accidents, especially when they occur in populated areas.
Local residents and authorities are coming together to support those affected by the incident. The Red Cross has been assisting displaced families, providing them with temporary shelter and resources. Additionally, community members have started organizing donation drives to help those who lost their homes and belongings in the fire.
This heartbreaking event has left a deep impact on the Fairview community, and the investigation into what happened is ongoing. As more information becomes available, authorities hope to provide answers to the families of the victims and the broader community.
