Incident Overview
After reporting to air traffic control that engine oil pressure was dropping and subsequently that the engine was overheating, the pilot requested vectors to the nearest airport. Radio and radar contact were lost during descent when the airplane was about 10 miles east of the airport. The aircraft touched down on a westerly heading in a field approximately 5 miles east of the airport.
Maintenance History
The pilot stated that the engine oil had been changed by maintenance personnel at his hangar the previous day, and this was the first flight after the maintenance was completed. An engine run-up was not performed due to inclement weather on the day of the oil change.
Examination Findings
Examination of the engine revealed that an 'O' ring seal (part number CI48100-8), installed on the cap of the oil filter, was pinched during installation. This allowed the engine oil to leak during operation, leading to the loss of engine power. According to engine records, the engine had been modified on December 5, 1995, with the installation of an 'Ultimate Engine Oil Filter' (part number SA8922SW21) manufactured by Capehart Industries Inc., of Mena, Arkansas, under an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate dated July 21, 1994. The pilot purchased the airplane in April 1995.