Incident Overview
While in cruise flight, the oil pressure in the aircraft dropped to zero. The pilot responded by retarding the throttle and setting up for a forced landing on a turf runway. On final approach, another airplane pulled onto the runway ahead of him. The pilot executed a side-step maneuver to the left and continued the approach and touchdown.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft touched down and bounced during the landing. The landing gear collapsed as a result of the bounce, and a lower wing spar was fractured. The aircraft came to rest inverted.
Post-Incident Examination
After the incident, testing with a direct reading oil pressure gauge revealed oil pressure when the engine was rotated with the starter, indicating that the oil pressure system was functional on the ground.
Pilot Information
The pilot had not flown an airplane in the preceding year. Additionally, his medical certificate and flight review had expired at the time of the incident.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained landing gear collapse and a fractured lower wing spar. The aircraft came to rest inverted.