Russ Francis, the former New England Patriots and NFL standout who won a Super Bowl title with the San Francisco 49ers, last weekend died at the age of 70 in a plane crash, as did one other person who was on board the aircraft.

And now details are emerging about what happened in the accident, which took place in New York state. A federal investigation is revealing that the plane lost power shortly after it took off. … at which time the plane was turned around in an attempt to land to safety. But unfortunately, along that path, the plane hit a raised bank at the end of the runway and then fell about 30 feet into a ravine.

Francis was a college star at the University of Oregon who became a first-round pick by the Patriots. He was a standout in New England, having been selected to the Pro Bowl for three straight seasons.

He split from the team after the 1980 season, but then following a one-year retirement returned to the NFL in 1982 to play for the San Francisco 49ers.

While in San Francisco, the tight end once again achieved football glory as he caught five passes for 60 yards in the team’s Super Bowl victory over the Miami Dolphins.

Ed Francis reacted to his brother’s death in a Facebook post: “Needless to say, my family and I are completely flattened. Flying was my brother’s lifelong passion, and perhaps a fitting way for him to go. God speed to you my big brother.”