Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 8300; Flight Crew Type 150
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
En route in cruise; noted a slight wisp of oil on windshield. While contemplating the situation; noticed a slight increase in oil flow. Canceled IFR (was IFR) and opted direct to nearest airport approximately 40 miles. At 30 miles; oil flow became heavier. Started looking for a place to park it. Saw a nice straight road ahead and headed for it. By 20 miles; very heavy oil flow. A precautionary landing seemed in order. Set up an approach to the north. Due to the heavy oil flow; pilot flying could not see through the windshield. Right seat had better visibility. Oil flow was heavier on left side than right seat. As pilot in command; I relinquished control to right seat pilot (ATP; CFI with total time 25;000). Landed uneventfully. After landing; cause of leak was discovered as spiral crack in crankshaft over 1/2 round. Engine was a factory new IO-550 and had accumulated 138.7 hours.
A C-206's IO-550 crankshaft cracked in flight; spraying oil on the aircraft's left windshield. The pilot gave control to the experienced pilot in the right seat; who made a successful off airport landing.