Accident Details
On January 17, 2022, about 2256 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28 airplane, N5276W, was substantially damaged during an accident near Scottsdale, Arizona. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Pilot Narrative
The pilot reported that about halfway through the night cross-country flight, the engine oil pressure gauge indicated lower than earlier. Although the engine continued running smoothly, the pilot began considering gliding to an airport if necessary. Not considering it an emergency, he altered the intended flight path from over mountainous terrain to overfly a southbound highway. After passing the highway and nearing the Sky Ranch at Carefree (18AZ), the oil pressure dropped to near zero. The pilot attempted to activate the airport lights but was unsuccessful. He then decided to proceed to Falcon Field (FFZ) in Mesa, Arizona, about 22 nautical miles southeast. Near Fountain Hills, the engine noise changed, followed by a power drop. The oil pressure gauge showed zero. The pilot added full power while searching for a landing spot. Shortly after, the engine emitted "horrible noises" and lost all power. He landed the airplane on a narrow gravel road between a chain link fence and a water canal, impacting the fence with the right wing. Substantial damage occurred to the right wing, both ailerons, the left horizontal stabilizer, and the left elevator.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination revealed the lower side of the engine, lower cowling, firewall, and aircraft belly covered in oil residue. The crankshaft could only be rotated by hand about 270 degrees. The engine was disassembled. The crankshaft oil seal area was wet with oil; the split-style oil seal was installed with a solid ring stretch oil seal spring. The oil dipstick indicated no oil, and the oil sump was undamaged and contained no oil. The crankcase breather hose was oil-soaked. The No. 2 connecting rod was separated from the crankshaft; its journal and bearing showed thermal distress and material deformation. The No. 3 cylinder combustion chamber and piston were covered in oil, and the No. 3 piston oil control ring was stuck in its ring land. The No. 3 cylinder exhaust pipe exhibited darker combustion deposits compared to others.
Maintenance History
Maintenance documentation showed the last annual inspection was completed on December 14, 2021, at which time the engine had 2,523 hours since major overhaul. An "engine miss" was reported, and on January 7, 2022, the No. 3 cylinder spark plugs were found fouled with oil.