FAA investigators say in a preliminary report that a witness told them that a private Cessna aircraft was “covered in oil” before taking off for what would be its last flight.

The National Transportation Safety Board has released preliminary findings into a November 24, 2021 crash near Grove City airport, that claimed the lives of pilot, Richard Briggs of Cuyahoga Falls and passenger, Keith Vanover or Parma.

The report says the plane was on its way from White Plains, New York to Akron, Ohio when the pilot diverted to Clarion County Airport due to an oil pressure issue.

Investigators were told that while in Clarion, the pilot said he believed that the aircraft lost oil through the dipstick tube and had 6 quarts of oil put into the engine.

The witness said that there was oil splattered on the front of the plane, beneath the plane, and the plane’s tail.

After wiping the oil off the plane, the engine made abnormal cracking and popping noises, according to one of the witnesses, who is also a helicopter mechanic.

About 15 minutes after takeoff, the pilot reported that the airplane was experiencing a loss of engine power and was told to land at Grove City Airport.

After reporting the airport was in sight, the pilot said he didn’t think he would be able to reach the landing area. 

Authorities shortly lost all communication and radar contact with the plane.

The wreckage of the plane was found in a wooded area along steep terrain about a mile and a half from Grove City airport.

Investigators say a fire broke out upon impact, consuming the front of the plane.

The tail section, which separated from the plane, were covered in oil residue according to investigators.

Inspection of the engine, which separated from the main wreckage, revealed three of the sparkplugs were covered in oil.