A preliminary federal report shed a little light on why a private airplane crash-landed Nov. 21 in a remote area high in the Uinta Mountains, killing one passenger.

A victim's family member told federal investigators that the pilot of the Cessna, Craig Weaver, said the plane lost power and dropped too low to make a turn, so he decided to land in what appeared to be a flat area.

Search and rescue teams said the plane skidded about 150 feet. The plane's engine separated on impact and was found 10 feet from the main wreckage, the report said.

A detailed examination of the airframe and engine will be conducted, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

Weaver and passenger Bryon Meyer were taken to an area hospital in serious to critical condition. They stabilized and survived the accident. But Salt Lake City paramedic and firefighter Dylan Hopkins, 25, died in the crash. According to his obituary, his funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. today at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 E. South Temple, in Salt Lake City.