A small aircraft made an emergency landing on the frozen Hudson River earlier this month after experiencing complete engine failure, according to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The NTSB report, issued Wednesday, revealed that the plane "lost total power" during flight, forcing the pilots to attempt an emergency water landing on the ice-covered river. The engine had begun underperforming before the complete power loss occurred.

Following the emergency landing, the pilots were forced to swim across the frozen waters to reach safety. The incident required the crew to evacuate the aircraft in harsh winter conditions with ice covering the Hudson River.

The National Transportation Safety Board is continuing its investigation into the cause of the engine failure. The preliminary report provides initial findings, but a comprehensive analysis of the incident is still ongoing.

The Hudson River has been the site of notable aviation incidents in the past, most famously the 2009 "Miracle on the Hudson" landing by Captain Chesley Sullenberger. Emergency landings on the river present significant challenges due to water conditions and proximity to populated areas.