Four Confirmed Lost, Including Two Children; Third Still Missing

Officials say at least four people were killed when a Cessna 172 impacted a tree in the Oregon coastal town of Gearhart Monday morning, and came down onto the roof of a vacation rental home.

KATU-2 reports the plane's adult pilot and passenger were presumed lost in the accident, though their bodies have not yet been recovered. Additionally, the bodies of two children, believed to have been in the home at the time of the crash, were discovered in the wreckage.

The search continues for signs a third child may have survived. A medevac helicopter transported a mother and two children from the scene to a nearby hospital, and their conditions were unknown as of Monday afternoon.

The 172 impacted the home at 398 N. Marion St at approximately 6:30 am Monday morning, according to news reports. Witnesses reported an explosion about 20 seconds after the first impact, and flames spread quickly to the home.

The aircraft, reportedly rented from Aviation Adventures in nearby Seaside, had taken off a short time before from Seaside Municipal Airport (56S).

"This is the biggest thing to have ever hit Gearhart," said City Administrator Dennis McNally. "Such a tragedy. Everybody is devastated."

Three adults, including the mother, and five children were staying in the rental home for a family reunion. The other two adults were out for a walk when the accident occurred.

Witnesses said the plane appeared to be having difficulties flying in the dense fog along the coastline just before the crash.

FMI: www.faa.gov