Michael Busher dies in fatal Fairview, Oregon plane crash
Michael Busher dies in fatal Fairview, Oregon plane crash
Fatal Fairview, Oregon plane crash death of Michael Busher – Obituary
Authorities in Oregon have identified the victims of a deadly small plane crash in Fairview that claimed three lives. Among those who died were pilot Michael Busher, 73, flight instructor Jacqueline Whitford, 79, and Barbara MacDonald, 75, a resident of the townhomes the plane struck.
The crash happened on August 31, 2024, when a Cessna 421C experienced “controllability” problems during a maintenance test flight, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The aircraft had taken off from Troutdale Airport, located about 12 miles east of downtown Portland, and went down just five minutes into the flight.
The plane collided with eight townhouses in Fairview, completely destroying three of them, said Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis. The main point of impact was the second home in the row, where MacDonald lived. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office confirmed her as one of the victims.
Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell said that when deputies arrived, several of the townhomes were already on fire. They quickly went door to door to evacuate residents and used garden hoses to contain the flames before firefighters arrived on the scene. The crash also knocked down power lines, which caused a brush fire in a nearby field, the sheriff’s office added.
The NTSB is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. It is expected to take between a year and a year and a half to complete their findings.
Troutdale Airport, where the flight originated, is described by the Port of Portland as a hub for flight training and recreational flying in the region.
Michael Busher dies in fatal Fairview, Oregon plane crash Fatal Fairview, Oregon plane crash death of Michael Busher – Obituary Authorities in Oregon have identified the victims of a deadly small plane crash in Fairview that claimed three lives. Among those who died were pilot Michael Busher, 73, flight instructor Jacqueline Whitford, 79, and Barbara…
Michael Busher dies in fatal Fairview, Oregon plane crash Fatal Fairview, Oregon plane crash death of Michael Busher – Obituary Authorities in Oregon have identified the victims of a deadly small plane crash in Fairview that claimed three lives. Among those who died were pilot Michael Busher, 73, flight instructor Jacqueline Whitford, 79, and Barbara…