NTSB Launches Probe After Cessna Crashes Into Townhomes

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). 

Those on board the aircraft were identified as pilot Michael Busher, 73, of Beavercreek, Oregon, and flight instructor Jacqueline Whitford, 79, of Glendale, Arizona.

According to preliminary information, the twin-engine aircraft took off from Runway 25 at KTTD around 10:20 a.m. PDT on what has been described by investigators as a post-maintenance flight.

According to NBC affiliate KGW-TV, the pilot contacted the control tower and requested permission to do a few laps in the pattern.

However, subsequent conversations between the pilot and the tower revealed there was confusion over what the pilot wanted to do, as he had not taken off. A few minutes later after takeoff, the controller asked the pilot his intentions, noting he had violated an altitude restriction by climbing to 1,700 feet when he was assigned 1,200 feet. The altitude restriction was in place to avoid a conflict with traffic from nearby Portland International Airport (KPDX).

The pilot reported he was having "controllability issues." The controller cleared the pilot  to return to Portland-Troutdale and land on any runway. A woman's voice is then heard on the frequency stating the C-421C "would try."

Security camera footage shows the airplane in a left wing low attitude, its left wing slicing through power lines. 

The crash ignited a large fire, which destroyed three townhomes and damaged at least two others. The fire was fierce, and authorities called a total of five alarms because the intensity of the blaze and temperatures in the 90s were taking a toll on fire fighters.

The crash knocked out power to approximately 9,500 homes for several hours.

Local media outlets identified the victim on the ground as 75-year-old Barbara MacDonald. She was sleeping on the second floor of her home at the time of the crash.