Amateur/Home Built/Experimental
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 19; Flight Crew Total 1178; Flight Crew Type 670
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
While out doing air work approximately 10 miles from my airport; I noticed smoke in my cockpit. I immediately made towards the airport; reported my position; and that I had smoke in the cockpit. I was given number one clearance to land. I was able to determine that I did not have a fire in the cockpit; and the oily smelling 'smoke' was likely oil mist. My oil pressure was substantially below normal operating pressure. Normal would be 60 psi or better; I had about 48 psi. The in-cockpit 'smoke' dissipated fairly quickly; but my oil pressure continued to drop; and I advised the Tower of its status. The Tower asked how much fuel I had on board; and I reported I had 14.5 gallons. I was offered [a runway]; but I declined due to a significant crosswind; and I was concerned at the prospect of making a dead stick landing in that much crosswind. I continued for [another runway] and continued looking for potential landing spots should the engine fail. At about 2 miles out; I was down to 9 lbs of oil pressure. Aiming directly for the end of [the runway]; I maintained close to 2000 MSL until I was sure I had the runway made even if the engine did quit; and then began my descent. I was able to land without incident; and the engine quit shortly after touchdown. With the help of the Airport Manager we pushed my plane off the runway; and eventually back to my hangar. Fire trucks had been scrambled; and after determining I needed no further help; took my name; tail number; and phone number. After removing the engine cowl in the hangar it was discovered the #1 cylinder had cracked the case; causing a complete loss of oil. The engine has been pulled and will be replaced.
Christen Eagle pilot reported landing safely after experiencing a loss of oil pressure.