Quote Originally Posted by Eden View Post

I didn't notice anything amiss before I pulled the crank off - no funny noises, no slipping. I don't think that it simply loosened up though. I think it was installed improperly in the first place...
That's my story exactly. No warning. Do you have a cotter pin holding it in place? The shop manager said that was part left out of mine. If the cotter pin had been in place, the cap (or whatever) may have come loose but the cotter pin would be the saving grace to keep the crank on.

What makes me crazy is - this ain't rocket science but sure spells bad consequences for sloppy workmanship - as you found out. Sorry about your spill!