Cessna 172 pilot reported loss of oil pressure caused engine failure during final approach. Pilot was unable to reach the runway and landed in a field near the airport.
Synopsis
Cessna 172 pilot reported loss of oil pressure caused engine failure during final approach. Pilot was unable to reach the runway and landed in a field near the airport.
Narrative
I was cleared to land Runway XX at ZZZ. I was on a 3 mile final when I lost oil pressure. Oil Temp was still in the normal range. I started to reduce power and set up for best glide. Before I reached 2 mile final; the engine began to vibrate and the propeller stopped. I advised ZZZ Tower of an engine out. About 1 mile out; I was losing altitude quickly due to headwinds. There were a large number of structures and equipment yards directly in my flight path. I knew I did not have enough altitude to make the runway. I did not feel that I could safely continue to be able to land on the airport field and would likely crash into structures or other private property. I advised the Tower I was not going to make it to the airfield. I banked right about 110 degrees and landed in a field just east of the airport. There did not appear to be any obvious damage to the airframe. The engine mechanical failure is unknown at this time. There was no noticeable external signs in the engine compartment or on the engine itself to hint at the cause. The propeller is not able to turn which suggests something internal broke and caused the engine to seize.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.