Accident Overview
On June 9, 2022, at about 1545 central standard time, a Piper PA32R-301 airplane, registration N416TS, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Olla, Louisiana. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The flight was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight Details
The pilot was flying under visual flight rules (VFR) from Union Parish Airport (F87) in Farmerville, Louisiana, to Houma, Louisiana, with VFR flight following services provided by air traffic control. While cruising at 3,000 ft above mean sea level, an aural alarm sounded indicating low oil pressure. The pilot turned toward the nearest airport for a precautionary landing and attempted to troubleshoot the issue, but the engine remained very "sluggish."
Forced Landing and Damage
While maneuvering toward Olla Municipal Airport (L47) in Olla, Louisiana, the pilot could not maintain altitude and executed an off-field landing into a field located about 7.5 miles east of L47. During the forced landing, the airplane sustained damage to the right wing and forward section of the fuselage.
Postaccident Examination
The wreckage was transported to a secure facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for further examination. The postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact anomalies with the airframe, engine, or engine oil system. The engine controls were found connected and secured from the cockpit to the engine. The engine had continuity throughout its drive system; suction and compression were verified on all cylinders. Both left and right magnetos produced spark to their respective spark plug leads. The fuel servo fuel screen was clean and free of debris. The fuel injection distribution block was intact and contained a small amount of fuel. The engine-driven fuel pump operated when tested. The oil and fuel lines were found connected and secured. Examination of the engine oil cooler and associated oil lines did not reveal any evidence of leakage. Oil was present in the oil lines, engine oil sump, and oil pump. The oil pump turned freely with no binding.