Background
The aircraft had been undergoing a major rebuilding and restoration following a previous accident and had not flown for several years. The pilot intended to circle the airport several times to check the aircraft before departing on a cross-country flight to Prescott, Arizona.
Flight Details
Ground witnesses reported that the pilot did not perform the normal preflight ground power checks before departure. The aircraft departed for the planned flight.
Postcrash Examination
Examination after the accident revealed that two oil cooler lines had been inadvertently crossed. One of the oil cooler lines failed as a result of the incorrect installation, causing engine oil to be pumped overboard. Subsequently, the engine sustained a catastrophic internal failure.
Maintenance History
The last logbook entry and documented annual inspection for the airplane were dated 1987. The pilot's last flight physical was dated 1981.