Preflight and Departure
Three days before the accident flight, the vacuum pump had been removed and had not been reinstalled. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student conducted a preflight inspection of the aircraft and noted no discrepancies. The engine start and run-up prior to departure were reported as normal.
The Accident
The flight departed. The CFI stated that the engine would not develop power greater than 1,200 RPM. During the forced landing on a road, the nose gear traveled into a ditch, and the aircraft nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the aircraft at the accident site revealed that oil coated the bottom of the fuselage.