Incident Overview
While in cruise flight, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero and the engine began to vibrate. The pilot elected to shut down the engine and carry out a forced landing to a nearby soybean field.
Landing and Gear Collapse
During the landing, the left main landing gear and nose gear collapsed upon contact with the soft terrain of the field.
Post-Accident Investigation
Post-accident investigation revealed that the oil filter base-gasket had become extruded from its seat, allowing engine oil to leak out of the engine.
Relevant Service Bulletin
Textron Lycoming Engines, based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, had issued a Mandatory Service Bulletin, number 543A, the day prior to the accident. The service bulletin stated that Textron Lycoming had received reports indicating that operation at high oil temperatures can cause the converter plate gasket on the oil filter base to become extruded from its seat, allowing oil to leak out between the plate and the accessory housing. The bulletin called for the removal and replacement of the converter plate gasket at every 50-hour oil change.