Incident Sequence
On Sunday morning, 9 June 2002 at 1000Z, the pilot of a Cessna 182Q, registration ZS-KDT, filed a VFR flight plan for a private flight from Lanseria to George. During the pre-flight inspection, the pilot checked the engine oil level, which indicated 12 quarts on the dipstick. The pilot departed on the first leg with an intended refuelling stop at Potchefstroom. Shortly after take-off, the pilot noted zero oil pressure indication. He continued the flight and informed Johannesburg Information of the problem, intending to land at Klerksdorp. After landing, he again checked the oil level with the dipstick, which still indicated 12 quarts. Consulting with other pilots at the aerodrome, the consensus was that it might be a faulty gauge. The pilot performed several ground runs to check the variable pitch propeller, which functioned normally, and decided to continue the planned flight. The take-off and cruise were normal, although the oil pressure gauge still indicated zero. An uneventful landing was executed at George after a flight of 4 hours and 25 minutes. After engine shutdown, the oil level again indicated 12 quarts.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The next day, the pilot/owner requested an AMO facility to rectify the problem. During a ground run to identify the issue, the engine seized in operation. The aircraft damage was reported as engine seized. The probable cause states: "The reason for the erroneous oil pressure indication therefore remains undetermined." There were no injuries or fatalities; the single person on board was uninjured. Weather was fine throughout.