N711A

On November 12, 2006, about 1445 central standard time, a single-engine Beech A36 airplane, N711A, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing following an observation of a high engine oil temperature indication and smoke in the cockpit, while in cruise flight near Pocasset, Oklahoma. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the Chickasha Municipal Airport (CHK), near Chickasha, Oklahoma, approximately 1435.

According to the 4,492-hour pilot, while on a local pleasure flight, he observed an "abnormally high" oil temperature indication before smoke began to come from beneath the instrument panel. The pilot elected to shut the engine down and perform a precautionary landing to a soft and hilly field. During precautionary landing, the left wing tip collided withe the ground and the nose landing gear was sheared-off. The airplane came to rest in an upright position and the pilot was able to exit the airplane unassisted. There was no fire.

An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the accident site. The inspector reported that the airplane's right wing and the engine firewall sustained structural damage. The inspector further reported that he had examined the airplane and could not find the source of the smoke.

A NTSB representative examined the airplane at a later date. The engine nacelle area and engine exterior was found clean with no obvious oil leaks. The oil dipstick was removed and indicated clean oil in the oil sump. The cabin heater valve and defrost knobs were found in the "ON" position. The heater shroud was removed and the muffler visually examined. No defects were noted. The instrument access panel, located in the firewall, was removed and the area behind the instrument panel was visually examined via a flashlight and mirror. The electrical wiring did not appear damaged and there were no signs of electrical arcing or fire. The area around the landing gear motor was also examined and no abnormalities were noted. The examination did not reveal the source of the smoke or the reason for the "abnormally high" oil temperature indication.

The pilot further reported that at the time of departure the wind was from 170 degrees at 20 knots gusting to 25 knots.