Oct 22, 1996
Accident
Substantial VENICE, FL
Injuries1 minor
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
inadequate maintenance servicing of the airplane during an oil change by the owner/pilot for his failure to secure the oil temperature probe securing nut. Also, inadequate maintenance of the airplane by the owner/pilot for his failure to operate the engine with the engine cowling removed following the oil change to check for oil leaks. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.
NTSB MIA97FA010