Incident Summary
While at cruise altitude, the pilot reported to air traffic control that the aircraft was very low on oil pressure and that the cylinder head temperature was getting very high. The pilot was subsequently cleared to divert to Wheeling, West Virginia, and to execute the VOR approach to runway 21.
Witness Observations
Witnesses on the ground observed the airplane break out of the clouds at approximately 500 feet over the end of the runway. The aircraft then executed a right-banked turn exceeding 60 degrees. Following this maneuver, the airplane rolled to the left and struck the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure. The aircraft's engine appeared to have been operating normally at the time of the accident, according to the examination.
Weather Conditions
Moderate rime icing conditions were reported along the pilot's route of flight. Shortly after the accident, approximately 1 inch of ice was found on the leading edge of the left wing. The presence of ice in these conditions was documented by investigators.