Sep 6, 2024, 6:21 PM
Sep 6, 2024, 6:21 PM

Pilot and instructor die in small plane crash near Portland

Tragic
Highlights
  • The Cessna 421C crashed shortly after takeoff from Troutdale Airport, reporting controllability issues.
  • The crash resulted in the deaths of pilot Michael Busher, flight instructor Jacqueline Whitford, and Fairview resident Barbara MacDonald.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, which caused significant damage to residential properties.
Story

On a Saturday morning, a Cessna 421C aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Troutdale Airport, located about 30 minutes east of downtown Portland. The plane was conducting a maintenance test flight when it reported issues with controllability. Tragically, the crash resulted in the deaths of two individuals on board: pilot Michael Busher, 73, and flight instructor Jacqueline Whitford, 79, as well as a resident on the ground, Barbara MacDonald, 75, who lived in one of the impacted townhomes. The aircraft crashed into a row of eight townhomes in Fairview, causing significant destruction to three of them. The main point of impact was the second unit in the row, which caught fire along with several other homes. Emergency responders, including deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, arrived to find multiple townhomes ablaze and worked to evacuate residents while attempting to control the flames with garden hoses until firefighters could take over. In addition to the residential damage, the crash knocked over a utility pole and power lines, leading to a brush fire in a nearby field. The plane was severely fragmented upon impact, scattering debris across the area. The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated an investigation into the incident, which is expected to take up to a year and a half to complete. This tragic event highlights the risks associated with aviation, particularly during maintenance flights, and raises questions about safety protocols in place for such operations. The community is mourning the loss of the victims, and the investigation aims to uncover the factors that led to this devastating accident.

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