WRT your comment about looking under the covers IO, our club checklist includes a check of the engine compartment - to check oil and brake fluid levels, and for any birds' nests that may have "appeared" overnight... also a good idea to check that the HT leads are all in place, no leaks etc.
Would be very worried about any club/school/pilot that does not check the engine bay before flight. Think I'd be staying on the ground.
Interesting story about the Tomahawk, IO. Think I would've walked out too.