Preliminary Report: Engine problem forces emergency landing

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, Beagle Bay, Australia, Jan. 14, 2010–The turboprop single was cruising at approximately 9,500 feet en route to Koolan Island when the pilot noticed a drop in the engine torque indication and a corresponding decrease in engine oil pressure. He advanced the throttle, but the torque and oil pressure continued to decrease, so he diverted to the nearest airstrip. When the low oil pressure light lit, the pilot shut down the engine and made a power-off landing. The Grand Caravan overran the airstrip and was seriously damaged when it flipped upside down after striking a mound of dirt. The pilot escaped with minor injuries. The Australian Transportation Safety Board is investigating.