PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 775; Flight Crew Type 25
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Airspace Violation All Types
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
I was flying on my way to ZZZ and about 10 miles out I noticed my oil pressure was starting to drop. Oil was spewing from the left side of the cowling and running down the side of the aircraft. I was descending from 5;000 feet and made straight in for runway 32 flying into the active restricted airspace at nearby restricted area to ensure I would make it back. A cracked oil cooler was the issue the aircraft had no oil left when I checked on the ground.
PA28 pilot experiences low oil pressure and notes oil on the cowl at 5;000 feet. The destination airport is within range should the engine fail; but required flight through restricted airspace without a clearance. No oil remaining and a cracked oil cooler were discovered on post flight.