Incident Summary
During flight, the pilot observed that the oil temperature began to rise. In response, the pilot elected to land on an abandoned air strip. The landing was conducted on rough, uneven terrain, which resulted in damage to the aircraft's landing gear and right wing.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that the decision to land was prompted by the rising oil temperature. The chosen landing site was an abandoned air strip. The pilot successfully touched down, but the condition of the surface led to the damage.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the incident determined that the abandoned air strip was situated at an elevation of approximately 7,600 feet. It was correctly marked to indicate that it was closed. The markings were appropriate for warning that the strip was not in service.
Engine Inspection
Following the incident, the engine was examined. A run-up was performed on a day when the temperature reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During this test, no malfunction was evident. The engine operated well within its temperature limits, indicating that the earlier oil temperature rise may not have been due to a mechanical issue. The investigation did not specify the cause of the oil temperature increase observed in flight.