AOPA's Air Safety Institute Releases Early Analysis: Cessna 421 Crash Near Portland Oregon Video

On August 31, 2024, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle crashed into powerlines and then into a townhome community near Troutdale-Portland Airport (KTTD) in Oregon, when the pilot lost control of the twin-engine aircraft shortly after takeoff. Sadly, the aircraft’s pilot and passenger and a person on the ground perished in the accident.

“In Early Analysis: Cessna 421 Crash Near Portland, Oregon, ASI looks at factors that are expected to be subject of the National Transportation Safety Board investigation. We want to help general aviation pilots understand what is known about the accident and what we can learn from this tragedy to fly safer," said AOPA’s ASI Senior Vice President Mike Ginter.

Ginter continued, “It appears the pilot intended to perform an after-maintenance test flight, during which the pilot struggled handling the Cessna. The NTSB will likely look at maintenance records, aircraft equipment and controls, and pilot experience and proficiency.”

“It is imperative to conduct a thorough preflight inspection, especially after maintenance, and maintain a high proficiency level in any aircraft we fly,” Ginter concluded.

Early Analysis videos provide an initial assessment of prominent mishaps that generate large public interest and may indicate important safety lessons for the general aviation community.

View the video here.

View other Early Analysis videos here.