Light Aircraft Crash in Oregon Ignites House Fire, Power Outage Affects Thousands
A light aircraft crash in Oregon resulted in a dramatic house fire and a power outage affecting thousands of residents. The incident occurred in the Fairview neighborhood, with footage capturing the moment the twin-engine plane crashed and exploded, igniting a nearby house.
According to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the cras
h led to significant damage, with five homes impacted by the ensuing fire. Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis reported that four families may be displaced as a result. While authorities have confirmed injuries, the number of casualties remains unclear. Initial reports suggest three people are missing—two potentially aboard the plane and one local resident.
John Plock, a public information officer for the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, stated, “We know there are injuries, but the extent and severity are still unknown. We are uncertain about fatalities at this point.” He also noted that the aircraft struck a power pole or tower, causing further complications.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a twin-engine Cessna 421C crashed near Troutdale Airport around 10:30 a.m. local time on August 31. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash, with the NTSB overseeing the inquiry and providing updates.
In addition to the fire, the crash caused a significant power outage affecting approximately 9,000 customers. Portland General Electric (PGE) crews have been working to assess and repair the damage, and power has been restored to most residents.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the damage and the cause of the crash.