Pilot 'Noticed A Dramatic Drop In Oil Pressure To 14 PSI'

Location: Heavener, OK Accident Number: CEN22LA140
Date & Time: March 12, 2022, 12:45 Local Registration: N9410Q
Aircraft: Beech A36 Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 12, 2022, about 1245 central standard time, a Beech A36, N9410Q, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Heavener, Oklahoma. The pilot and passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the flight was from the Bentonville Municipal Airport/Louise M Thaden Field (VBT), Bentonville, Arkansas, to the Mena Intermountain  Municipal Airport (MEZ), Mena, Arkansas. After beginning his descent into to the destination airport, he noticed a dramatic drop in oil pressure to 14 psi. He began to search for alternate airports since his destination was not reachable and the terrain was mountainous.

He turned the airplane toward the west to attempt to reach the Robert S. Kerr Airport (KRKR), Poteau, Oklahoma, but within 1-2 minutes the oil pressure dropped to zero and the engine seized. The pilot executed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane struck fences and livestock feeding troughs resulting in substantial damage to the wings.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov