Cessna 402/402C/B379 Businessliner/Utiliner
Flight Crew Commercial
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
I took off [and] my engine instruments were all in the green arc; and I did not notice anything abnormal. Approximately 3 minutes after I took off; during my climb; I felt a yawing motion to the left; I heard what appeared to be the left engine losing power; this was further confirmed by a drop in my left manifold pressure. I then noticed a rapid drop in my left oil pressure; and noted white/gray smoke coming out of the top of the left engine. I proceeded to shut down and secure the left engine; as per the QRH. I then returned to [departure] airport. I was met by various airport personnel; including ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting). I was the only person on board; and I did not sustain any injuries.I believe that the left engine experienced a severe oil leak; which then resulted in a drop in oil pressure as well as smoke.
C402 pilot reported returning to departure airport after shutting down the left engine because of low oil pressure and loss of power.