Register

NTSB Launches Probe After Cessna Crashes Into Townhomes

The aircraft's pilot, a passenger, and a person on the ground were killed.

The Cessna 421C pilot, a single passenger, and a townhome resident were killed in the August 31 crash.[Gresham Fire Department/Greg Renfro]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The NTSB is investigating a deadly Cessna 421C crash in Fairview, Oregon, which resulted in three fatalities: the pilot, a flight instructor, and a 75-year-old resident on the ground.
  • The post-maintenance flight from Portland-Troutdale Airport experienced "controllability issues" shortly after takeoff, following the pilot's violation of an altitude restriction.
  • The aircraft crashed into a community of townhomes, igniting a large fire that destroyed three homes, damaged others, and caused a several-hour power outage for approximately 9,500 homes.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is wrapping up its investigation into a deadly crash of a Cessna 421C on Saturday in Fairview, Oregon.

The aircraft’s pilot, a passenger, and a person on the ground were killed when the airplane crashed into a densely packed community of townhomes located southwest of Portland-Troutdale Airport (KTTD). 

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE