RV-6
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 1800; Flight Crew Type 1520
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
While in cruise configuration at 2;500 FT MSL there was a sudden loss of oil pressure; a mist of oil on the windscreen; and the odor of hot oil in the cockpit. A quick GPS check of nearest airports revealed nothing close so an off-field landing was done onto a gravel country road. After landing it was determined that the crankshaft seal had partially blown out and that only several quarts of oil were left in the engine. Further investigation determined that the breather hose had a crimp in it; effectively blocking airflow. The crimp/blockage was removed and oil was restored. Although there was no traffic on the roadway; the roadway was blocked from traffic during takeoff and the plane was flown approximately 20 miles back to its home base. There was no damage to the aircraft; property; or persons with this event.
RV6 pilot experiences a sudden loss of oil pressure at 2;500 FT with visible oil on the windscreen and the smell of hot oil in the cockpit. With no airports nearby an emergency landing is preformed on a country road. Post flight reveals a kinked breather hose causing pressure to build up in the crank case and blow out the crank shaft seal.