Event Description
At lift-off during the departure roll, the pilot observed oil spray on the windshield. He initiated an aborted takeoff by retarding the throttle. Recognizing that insufficient runway remained to stop, the pilot then applied full throttle again, but the engine did not respond to the rapid throttle advancement. The aircraft subsequently departed the runway near the departure end, struck a dirt bank adjacent to a ditch, and nosed over.
Maintenance Oversight
Airport personnel later reported that the pilot had serviced the aircraft with oil prior to the flight but had forgotten to reinstall the oil filler cap. This oversight allowed oil to spray onto the windshield during the takeoff roll, prompting the aborted takeoff.
Sequence of Actions
The initial decision to abort was quickly reversed when the pilot realized the remaining runway length was insufficient for a safe stop. However, the rapid throttle advancement did not produce the expected engine response. The lack of engine response prevented the aircraft from achieving a successful lift-off or effective deceleration, leading to the runway excursion and subsequent nose-over after impact with the dirt bank.