At about 0726 Mountain time, the airplane was substantially damaged when the pilot deployed its airframe parachute after the engine experienced a complete loss of oil pressure during cruise flight. The private pilot/owner received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was in effect.
Some two hours after takeoff and just before reaching 14,000 feet msl during a cruise climb, the pilot heard a loud “pop.” About four minutes later, the pilot received an oil pressure annunciation on his primary flight display. Within another minute, the pilot saw the oil pressure had dropped to zero, so he shut down the engine and advised ATC. He was vectored to the nearest airport but soon realized he would be unable to reach it. Once the airplane was over terrain the pilot deemed suitable for a parachute landing, he deployed the ‘chute, at between 1000 and 2000 feet agl. The airplane bounced at least once and came to rest upright. Examination revealed engine oil was deposited along the bottom and left side of the airplane.
