The AW was powered by a Wright J-5 engine, which produced a whopping 220 hp (164 kW). The Cessna 150 and 152 are two sides of the same coin. The C152 features minor improvements over the former ...

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane was a single-engine Cessna C152. The agency said the pilot reported experiencing engine trouble as it was headed to Palo Alto Airport.