Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's poor preflight inspection. Factors relating to this accident were the not properly secured oil cap and the oil covered windshield.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the preflight inspection the certificated private pilot failed to assure that the oil cap was properly secured. Shortly after departing on a cross country flight the oil screen became oil soaked and completely obscured. The pilot returned to the airport. During the landing the airplane bounced and exited the left side of the runway and collided with a drainage ditch.
Source record
Factual narrative
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