Incident
A twin-engine airplane, parked at a local airport, was stolen during the night. The individual who stole the aircraft, referred to as the 'pilot,' attempted a local flight. During the flight, the left engine caught fire. The airplane subsequently crash-landed and came to rest in flames. Emergency responders were unable to recover the sole occupant from the wreckage.
Investigation
Officials conducted an investigation into the incident. The findings focused on the pilot's actions prior to the flight and the mechanical condition of the aircraft. The left engine fire was traced to an oil filler cap that had not been secured. The cap's improper installation allowed oil to escape, leading to the fire.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was stated as inadequate preflight preparation on the part of the pilot. The fire in the left engine was attributed to the oil filler cap not being secured. Additionally, after landing, the crew fled from the stolen aircraft, which allowed the fire to spread and ultimately destroy the airplane.