A small plane that crashed near Denver and killed both pilots on board in early September had an engine malfunction in mid-air, according to preliminary reports released by investigators.

One of the pilots was receiving instruction when the Beech BE35 plane suddenly crashed near Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colo. on Sept. 5, according to a report released by the National Transportation Safety Board. 3

The early morning endeavor was requested by one of the pilots, who wanted to receive training in that specific aircraft because he was planning on purchasing a similar model, officials said.

The pair took off around 5:45 a.m. and remained in their set traffic pattern. They performed several successful landings before the engine suddenly went silent.

After less than an hour in t

See Full Page