Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 360; Flight Crew Type 20
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Diverted
Environment - Non Weather Related; Aircraft
During the cruise segment of the cross country flight we began diverting west due to weather along the route of flight. During the diversion we felt a thud against the airplane. Approximately two minutes later I noticed the vacuum system had gone completely offline. The oil pressure indicator in the engine began showing a decrease in oil pressure so my passenger and I began looking for Lane field; identifier 58F. During this time another aircraft on the same CTAF relayed information to Ft. Worth Center on my behalf. We circled the area 2 times where charts and onboard VFR GPS showed the airport should be at but were unable to find the airport. We then diverted towards Gainesville; GLE; and found a better landing area closer to our present location. We were able to land on a grass strip; without incident but were broadcasting our intentions on the CTAF for Gainesville instead of where we landed. Two aircraft in the area were able to give me information on the airport and then relayed to Ft. Worth Center when we safely landed at the field. I attempted to contact Guard on 121.5 while on the ground but was not able to receive a response.
C182 RG pilot experiences a thud at 3000 feet followed about two minutes later by loss of the vacuum system and falling engine oil pressure. Lane field is chosen as a divert field but cannot be located; even with GPS. GLE is then selected but a suitable grass field is found before GLE is reached.