PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 7.5
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Aircraft
Aircraft X was enroute and keyed up and said the aircraft was losing oil pressure. Pilot wanted to divert to ZZZ. The pilot requested to climb to which confused me since he was so close the airport. I was having trouble communicating with the pilot due to radio issues either on our end or his; I'm not sure which. I ascertained the pilot wanted to head to ZZZ but could not establish the severity of the situation due to broken communication. I gave the pilot runway configuration and WX (weather) at ZZZ as well as the CTAF and told the pilot altitude his discretion. Unfortunately; I was never able to get confirmation from the pilot before he began descending into the airport. The last thing I heard was that the engine was out and that the aircraft was going to glide the rest of the way. The pilot could not hear any additional communication from myself at this point. I also got airspace blocks with the adjacent airspace.I could have [given priority] earlier but I was not sure what the pilots intentions were due to the bad radio communication other than he needed to land at ZZZ.
Center Controller reported that a pilot asked to divert due to an engine problem then said the engine had failed. Due to unclear radio transmissions; Controller was not sure what pilot intentions were for landing location.