TBM 700/TBM 850
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 4500; Flight Crew Type 5
Other / Unknown; Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors
[I] took off in a TBM-700C2; with two passengers on board plus myself. The plan was to drop off one passenger and then continue back home. Leveling off at FL270 [around 20 minutes into flight]; about 15 miles southeast of [an enroute airport]; I noticed the oil pressure decreasing and then a fluctuating torque indication. As I reduced power; the red oil pressure annunciator illuminated. I immediately requested a descent and diversion into [the enroute airport]. Oil pressure stabilized near; but above; red line at the reduced power setting. Conditions were VMC; made a visual approach into [the airport] and landed without incident. Upon inspection; I discovered the oil cap was not fully tightened; causing the leak.
TBM700 pilot experiences oil pressure decreasing and then a fluctuating torque indication upon leveling off at FL270. A diversion to the nearest suitable airport is initiated with the engine continuing to run with oil pressure just above minimum. Post flight reveals the oil tank cap is not fully tightened.