Primary finding
Probable cause
The jamming of the oil pressure pump caused by the failure of the oil pressure pump driven impeller. The lack of a suitable landing area was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The oil pressure readings steadily decreased as the solo student pilot carried out his solo cross-country flight. He elected to divert from his flight plan to an alternate airstrip the engine began to run rough and produce smoke. As the pilot proceded to the alternate destination, the engine failed completely. The pilot made an emergency landing in a nearby muddy bean field. Upon landing in the field, the airplane nosed over. Investigation of the oil pump revealed that the oil pump driven impeller had a broken tooth, as well as broken drive tangs on the oil pump driveshaft.
Source record
Factual narrative
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