ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Federal investigators say a Piper J5C aircraft that crashed near Maplewood Drive in Rochester earlier this month experienced repeated engine surges before losing power entirely, killing one passenger and seriously injuring the pilot.

According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board, the flight departed a private runway west of Rochester for Whitfords Airport in Weedsport. After refueling with six gallons of gas and departing for home, the pilot reported the engine began cycling between full power and idle. Each time it surged, he looked for an emergency landing site.

Roughly 20 minutes into the return flight, the engine failed completely. The pilot attempted to land on a street, but the aircraft clipped a tree and overturned.

Inves

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