Cause Revealed In Plane Crash That Killed Ex-Patriots Star: Report

LAKE PLACID, NY — More details have emerged about Sunday's airplane crash that killed former NFL tight end Russ Francis and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden.

The crash occurred around 4:50 p.m. at the end of the runway at Lake Placid Airport, where Francis had recently purchased the Lake Placid Airways scenic tour business, according to Lake Placid News.

Prior to the crash, a second plane carrying a photographer took off as the 1976 Cessna that Francis and McSpadden were operating was set to be photographed in flight for the AOPA's Pilot magazine, National Transportation Safety Board investigator Todd Gunther said at a news conference Tuesday, according to the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Before the photoshoot commenced, the Cessna's engine "apparently lost power," Gunther said. The plane returned to the runway, but hit an embankment at the end of the runway and fell about 30 feet into a ravine.

Read the full report in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Francis played 13 NFL seasons with the New England Patriots (1975-80 and 1987-88) and the San Francisco 49ers (1982-87) after originally joining New England as a first-round draft pick out of Oregon in the 1975 NFL Draft.

He was a two-time All-Pro (1976 and 1978), three-time Pro Bowl player (1977, 1978 and 1979), a member of the Patriots all-decade team (1970s) and a member of the Patriots 35th Anniversary Team. He finished his career after the 1988 season with 393 receptions for 5,262 yards and 40 touchdowns.

Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft shared his owned statement of condolenses on behalf of the New England Patriots organization.

"Russ was a fan favorite throughout his playing career. He was a dynamic player on the field who had an even bigger personality off it," Kraft said. "He knew no boundaries, pushed the limits and lived his life to the fullest. Our thoughts are with Russ's family, friends, teammates and the many Patriots fans who mourn his loss."

Also killed in the crash was Richard McSpadden, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's senior vice president, according to a statement from the association.

McSpadden was appointed executive director of the AOPA Air Safety Institute in Feb. 2017 before being promoted to senior vice president in July 2020, according to his biography on the association's website.

Before his death, he had been "leading a team of certified flight instructors and content creators who develop and distribute aviation safety material—free of charge—in order to advance general aviation safety industrywide," his biography said.

"Richard’s pioneering work in flight safety, including his leadership in education and training, saved countless lives," National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen said in a statement.