Accident Overview
Approximately ten minutes after departure, the engine's oil pressure began to fluctuate. The pilot elected to return to McGehee Airport and attempted to land on runway 18. At the same time, another aircraft was taking off from the opposite direction on runway 36. The pilot reported intentionally shutting down the engine when the runway could be reached.
Flight Sequence
After shutdown, the pilot made a right turn to avoid the airplane on takeoff and attempted to align with runway 18. The airplane struck the ground approximately 50 feet short of the runway and came to rest on the runway surface.
Witness Observations
The pilot of the aircraft taking off from runway 36 observed the accident airplane approaching runway 18, banking 'back and forth' approximately 30 degrees in either direction. The witness noted that the aircraft appeared 'too high and fast to land.' Halfway down the runway, the accident airplane initiated a steep right bank to the west, followed by a 'knife edge bank' to the east at an extremely low altitude. No radio call declaring an emergency was heard.
Post-Accident Findings
Examination of the airplane revealed that the oil sump drain was found open. Approximately one quart of oil remained in the engine, and oil was present on the belly of the airplane. The engine oil had been changed recently by the pilot.