Small plane crashes in Oregon, killing 3 after controllability issues

A small plane crashed into a row of townhomes in Fairview, Oregon, shortly after taking off from Troutdale Airport for a maintenance test flight. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on a Saturday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals: two on board the twin-engine Cessna 421C and one resident of the townhomes. The pilot had reported issues related to the plane's controllability shortly after takeoff, although specific details about these issues have not been disclosed by authorities. The crash site was near the airport, and the plane impacted a row of eight townhouses, destroying three and causing smoke damage to others. Fire Chief Scott Lewis indicated that the second unit in the row was the main point of impact. Emergency responders, including deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, arrived to find several townhomes ablaze and worked to evacuate residents while attempting to extinguish the flames. The crash also caused damage to nearby infrastructure, knocking over a pole and power lines, which led to a brush fire in a field. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are currently collecting evidence from the wreckage, and the investigation is expected to take up to a year and a half to complete. Local officials, including Fairview Mayor Keith Kudrna, expressed their condolences to those affected by this tragic event. The community, home to approximately 10,000 residents, is now dealing with the aftermath of the crash and the loss of life involved.