Incident Overview
A pilot, who performed his own maintenance, installed an incorrect oil temperature gauge on his airplane. The gauge was fitted into the oil screen and secured by pulling the capillary line tight with tie wraps. The pilot then departed with his nephew.
Observed Events During Flight
Shortly after departure, witnesses observed the airplane trailing smoke. Later, the airplane was seen flying toward the airport with no smoke visible. Subsequently, the airplane was observed to make a sharp left turn, enter a spin, and then impact in a ditch next to a road.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of an engine failure. However, only one pint of oil was found in the engine. Oil was present on the underside of the airplane. An oil trail was discovered starting from the aircraft tiedown area and extending to the runway, where a puddle was found in an area believed to be used by the pilot for engine runup. Witnesses indicated that the pilot performed his own maintenance on his airplane.