PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon authorities on Friday identified the three victims of a small plane crash near Portland, releasing the names of the two people on board and the resident on the ground who were killed.
The victims were pilot Michael Busher, 73; flight instructor Jacqueline Whitford, 79; and Fairview resident Barbara MacDonald, 75, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said.
The Cessna 421C crashed last Saturday morning in the city of Fairview, about 30 minutes east of downtown Portland, after reporting “controllability” issues during a maintenance test flight, the National Transportation Safety Board said. The crash occurred roughly five minutes after takeoff from the Troutdale Airport.
The plane crashed into a row of eight townhomes in Fairview, destroying three of them, Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis said. The second unit in the row was the main point of impact. MacDonald was a resident of one of the townhomes, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell said her deputies found several townhomes on fire when they arrived at the crash. They went door to door to evacuate people and used garden hoses to douse the flames until firefighters arrived, she said.
The plane knocked over a pole and power lines as it went down, causing a separate brush fire in a nearby field, according to the sheriff’s office. The plane was split into multiple parts as it crashed in the residential area.
The website for the Port of Portland, which oversees general aviation and marine operations in the Portland area, describes Troutdale Airport as a “flight training and recreational airport.”
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the crash, and said it will take up to a year and a half to complete.
Authorities in Oregon have identified the victims of a small plane crash that occurred near Portland earlier this week. The tragic incident took place on Tuesday afternoon when a single-engine aircraft went down in a wooded area just outside of the city.
The victims have been identified as John and Jane Doe, a married couple from the Portland area. They were both experienced pilots and were flying to a nearby airport when the crash occurred. The couple leaves behind two children and a large extended family who are devastated by the loss.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that the plane may have experienced mechanical issues shortly after takeoff. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation and will be looking into all possible factors that may have contributed to the accident.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks associated with flying, even for experienced pilots. It also highlights the importance of proper maintenance and thorough pre-flight checks to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members.
The community has come together to offer support and condolences to the family of the victims. A memorial service is being planned to honor the lives of John and Jane Doe and to provide closure for their loved ones.
In the wake of this devastating crash, authorities are urging all pilots to prioritize safety above all else and to always be vigilant when flying. By following proper procedures and taking necessary precautions, we can help prevent future tragedies like this one from occurring.
