Accident Narrative
The pilot reported that while in cruise flight at 5,500 feet mean sea level (MSL), about three hours into the flight, the oil pressure indicator displayed zero. In response, the pilot initiated a precautionary landing in a circular hay field. The field contained numerous rolled bales of hay. The pilot stated, "I planned to land on an upgrade, which I did, halfway up. As I topped the grade, two hay bales appeared. I opened the throttle, with no response, hoping to clear the bales of hay." During the landing, the airplane's right wing struck one of the hay bales, and the airplane nosed over.
Examination Findings
Following the accident, an examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies. There was no evidence of in-flight oil loss.
Pilot Statements
In a later statement, the pilot indicated that the airplane's engine was consuming 1.5 to 2 quarts of oil per hour. For reference, the engine operator's manual specifies that the maximum oil consumption for the engine at normal power (2,700 RPM) is 0.80 quarts per hour.