Originally Posted by
rickair7777
If they were attempting a spin recovery, the engine would have been at idle (at least until they got desperate).
Also note the media article makes the usual gross conceptual error that stall = engine out.
RIP. I feel so bad for the little kiddies.
As much as I hate to speculate when people have died, I think you're on to something. What drew their attention to the "engine failure?" Was it the popping sound of backfiring when you suddenly pull the power to idle?
Best wishes to all who are mourning, especially the kids.