Incident Overview
During cruise at an altitude of 4000 feet, the pilot noticed a peculiar sound and a decrease in engine RPM. As the RPM continued to drop to 1200, the pilot secured the engine by shutting off the ignition and began a forced landing to a field located alongside an interstate highway.
Approach and Maneuver
While approaching the field from the north, the pilot determined that the ground speed was excessive. In an attempt to reduce speed, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn. During this maneuver, the left wingtip made contact with the ground.
Post-Incident Examination
A subsequent examination of the Ford V6 engine revealed that the oil filter/cooler had vibrated loose. This allowed engine oil to leak overboard, leading to the loss of engine power.