wrote:
True, but the article only mentioned "mechanical problems" and a
"sputtering engine".
That can mean anything and not just a failing engine.
Kees.

Quote the article "He was on his way home to Ohio when his engine began to
sputter and went out."

They are not saying "the engine failed" in exactly those words, but I am
hard-pressed to interpret that sentence in any other way.

Anno.