PA-28R Cherokee Arrow All Series
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 47; Flight Crew Total 1580; Flight Crew Type 208
Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Object; Inflight Event / Encounter Object
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
While descending in VMC conditions; I noticed a significant decrease on the oil pressure gauge; but no secondary indications. I began turning toward the nearest airport; and noticed a rapid rise in engine RPM. I declared an emergency and experienced engine failure shortly thereafter. I was able to safely land the airplane on a two lane road. At this point; I am not certain what damage the engine incurred; the only other damage observed was to the right wing fairing; which appears to have struck a mailbox on landing rollout. On previous occasions; this rental airplane had some oil on the side of the engine cowling during post flight inspection. During my preflight on this occasion; I noticed nothing out of the ordinary; but now question whether I should have scrutinized the maintenance history more closely.
The PA -28 aircraft engine failed inflight and the pilot had a successful off airport landing.