Departure and Witness Accounts
According to a witness, the pilot departed from runway 12. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot made a right turn followed by a left turn. The airplane then impacted the ground in a vertical descent approximately 900 feet southeast of the airport. A second witness reported that the pilot refueled, started the airplane, and departed with a tailwind without completing a preflight inspection or engine run-up.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the engine oil filler door was bent, with the secure latch found pushed in. Upon removal of the engine cowling, evidence of oil was present on the inside. The oil filler cap had separated from the oil filler neck and was found at the base of the engine. Inspection of the oil filler cap showed that the gasket was missing. When the cap was fitted to the filler neck, it rotated 360 degrees and would not fit securely. Search efforts did not locate the gasket in the wreckage or the surrounding area. Some sections of separated windshield glass also showed evidence of oil deposits.
Additional Findings
Inside the airplane, five one-quart bottles of AeroShell 10W50 were found. All except one bottle had burst open; the opened bottle was empty with the cap intact and a broken seal. The reported winds at the time of the accident were from 330 degrees at 7 knots. Examination of the airplane and engine did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunction.