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What’s Wrong: A Subtle Warning at 5,500 Feet
Welcome to the latest installment of “What’s Wrong?“, an interesting twist on aviation challenge quizzes. “What’s Wrong?” works just like a real flight: You’re in an airplane, flying along and there are clues to a potential problem right there in front of you—but it’s still on you to notice them and take action before it’s too late.
Here’s how it works: You’ll watch a super-short video with a quick setup for the situation and then approximately 10 seconds of the pilot’s perspective in flight. Something is amiss. Can you find it? We’ll give you 3-5 options at the end as what is wrong, but don’t expect much help from these options. They are worded to (perhaps) give some hints—or distractions from the important issue—but they won’t give anything away
Watch the video and see if you know what’s wrong. When you’re done, click through to the answer. Not only will you find out what’s wrong, but you’ll get at least one helpful tip, technique, or learning point to help if you ever face a situation like this in your real-world flying.
Watch the Scenario
Show Explanation
The Oil Pressure gauge is indicating “0.” However, the Oil Temperature is normal—and not rising.
According to the POH, “If low oil pressure is accompanied by normal oil temperature, there is a possibility the oil pressure gauge or relief valve is malfunctioning. A leak in the line to the gauge is not necessarily cause for an immediate precautionary landing because an orifice in this line will prevent a sudden loss of oil from the engine sump. However, a landing at the nearest airport would be advisable to inspect the source of trouble.”
In this case, the nearest airport with services is Lake City Gateway (KLCQ), 16 miles to the northwest.
If a total loss of oil pressure is accompanied by a rise in oil temperature, the POH advises that “there is good reason to suspect an engine failure is imminent.” In that case, you should reduce engine power and land immediately at a suitable forced landing field if there’s no airport nearby.
With no indicated oil pressure but normal oil temperature, you’re probably safe to follow the POH’s guidance.
With no indicated oil pressure but normal oil temperature, you’re probably safe to follow the POH’s guidance and head for the nearest airport with services. That’s Lake City Gateway. Along the way, you should keep your eye out for rising Oil Temperature—and keep suitable landing sites within gliding range.
This airplane uses a mechanical oil pressure gauge, so it’s unlikely the zero reading is simply a failure of the sensing system or gauge. With an electric pressure gauge, this situation is even more likely to be a non-event that turns out to be simply a failed sensor. However, even that should be treated as an abnormal situation where you land as soon as practicable.
In addition, 14 CFR 91.7 (b) states, “The pilot in command shall discontinue the flight when unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.” Because the oil pressure gauge is required equipment, the aircraft is technically unairworthy. The regulation does leave some room by not defining “discontinue the flight,” but continuing for a long distance and bypassing multiple landing opportunities is probably not what they had in mind.
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For 19 years, Jeff ran many noteworthy aviation media projects with his own firm, Van West Communications, including magazines, books, videos and live seminars. Jeff previously served as editor-in-chief of IFR Magazine and co-editor of Aviation Consumer, and his work appears in AOPA Pilot, Flight Training Magazine, Plane and Pilot, and AVweb. He’s an experienced CFII/MEI with ratings for single- and multi-engine airplanes, seaplanes, and gliders. Jeff was the creator of the first pilot transition program for new Cirrus aircraft.
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Zero Oil Pressure, Land ASAP
Learned something here. Good one!
No oil pressure. Head for Flying Tiger airfield, maintain altitude, land off airport if necessary.
Hmm, Im surprised the engine isnt locked up yet! Anyway, land at Tiger Field and replace the 6 pack with a couple of G3Xs, a 750Xi, a GFC 500 with a GDL 50R and BRS parachute … to be as safe as possible!
There was nothing in the fact pattern presented that indicates the oil temp isn’t rising. I’m heading toward Flying Tiger Field. At 5500 I can glide there if I lose the engine immediately. Whether they have services or not would never be a consideration. I would rather figure out the problem safely on the ground rather than have the FAA figure it out after they pulled the plane out of a tree or a house two miles from Lake City. “Probably safe to follow the POH’s guidance” means that there is a better than 50% chance of safety. I’m not comfortable with a 49.9% chance of not safely landing the plane on a runway.
Agreed
Not sure why the engine continues to appear to be behaving normally, nor did I see any sign of oil (which often happens but not always) but given the information presented, assume the worst and prepare to land immediately, inclusive of off airport if needed. Tiger Field. Maintain altitude and consider throttling back, might get a little more out of the engine if it is about to seize. And set up ForeFlight glide advisor!
No oil pressure indication. Safest thing to do is land at either airport, Clark field or flying tiger airfield. My choice is Clark it is a shorter distance and ahead to the left not behind me like Flying tiger. Also reduce power immediately , get ready to use best glide, squawk 7700 and announce that you have a PAN Pan Pan over 121.5. Follow checklist for loss of oil pressure and possible engine out. I would rather take my chances on the ground than continue and die off field , Currently I have 5500 feet of altitude I can use to get there if I manage my airspeed carefully.
Flying Tiger Field would be where I am heading, like others above stated, have enough altitude to glide to the field in the event the engine does quit. Can not tell from the facts provided if oil temp is rising or not. Better to get on the ground than chance it in the air.