Sightseeing Plane Lost Power Before Fatal Arizona Crash

A single-engine plane on a sightseeing tour of northern Arizona experienced a loss of engine power before it crashed, killing one person, a spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board said Monday.

The pilot of the Cessna 207 had been flying for about 20 minutes over Page on Saturday afternoon when the engine partially lost power, NTSB spokesman Peter Knudson said. The pilot headed back toward the airport to land, but the plane fell about 250 feet short of the runway, Knudson said. The plane carrying six French tourists bounced and landed upside down amid gusty conditions.

One passenger died after being rushed to the hospital, and another was seriously injured, authorities said. None of their identities has been released.

Police in Page did not return messages left Monday by The Associated Press.

An NTSB investigator was at the scene of the crash Monday gathering evidence and plans to talk to the pilot to determine what caused the crash, Knudson said. A preliminary report is expected within 10 days.

The aircraft was registered to Salt Lake City-based American Aviation Inc., which conducts air tours over Lake Powell, the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend and Wahweap Marina, according to its website. Chief pilot Bob Logan previously declined to identify the pilot, citing the NTSB investigation. He did not immediately return a telephone message Monday.

The pilot and three passengers were treated for minor injuries. The seventh person was unhurt.