Incident Summary
The pilot of the aircraft reported that the engine oil pressure dropped to zero while the airplane was in cruise flight. In response, he selected an open field to perform a precautionary landing. As he approached the field, the aircraft entered a downdraft. The pilot stated that he had reduced engine power to flight idle and did not apply throttle after encountering the downdraft. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with telephone wires, a utility pole, and a wire fence.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the engine oil pressure indication dropped abruptly to zero during cruise. He chose a nearby open field for a precautionary landing. During the approach, the aircraft encountered a downdraft; the pilot did not increase engine power from the flight idle setting. The aircraft then struck obstacles on the ground. The investigation determined that the malfunction or failure that produced the indication of lost oil pressure was not identified.