Narrative:

After leveling at 3000 ft following departure for traffic separation; we were given a clearance to continue climb to 13000. Power was added and climb was uneventful through 6000 ft. At approximately 6500 ft we received a red master warning flasher; followed with the left oil pressure low annunciator. A check of the oil pressure and temperature gauges revealed that while the oil temperature presently remained at a normal value; the left oil pressure gauge confirmed that the left engine had no oil pressure; the tape gauge was reading zero. Announcing to the co-pilot that we had lost oil pressure to the left engine; I asked for the oil pressure low checklist; while completing the first memory item of reducing the power on the left engine. Memory items for that failure require a precautionary engine shutdown with oil pressures less than 20 psi. Crew performed the shutdown procedure and secured the engine using the precautionary shutdown checklist. Advising approach of our engine out situation; we requested a [diversion to a suitable airport]. Approach leveled us at 8000 ft and turned us immediately to the north and offered us a left base entry. Weather at the time was cavu; and upon turning to the north; the airport and runway were easily identified. Approach cleared us for the visual number one; and proceeded to ask for necessary information regarding the nature of our situation; souls on board; and whether any other assistance was needed. At this point; checklists for engine failure and shutdown were already completed and the situation was well under control; so we declined needing further assistance; however approach had already requested the equipment to be standing by for landing. At this time we were completing the single engine approach and landing checklists; and continued to a 'normal'; uneventful landing. Rollout and taxi to the ramp were normal; aircraft was well under landing weight with no overweight or braking issues; and airport fire and rescue were advised that no problems remained and the alert was terminated for them.inspection of the engine after opening the engine cowling revealed oil leaking from several locations on the lower rear portion of the engine. Further inspection by our mechanic and cessna aircraft identified that one or two of the carbon seals in the oil system had probably failed; causing the resulting zero indication and warning systems to activate. This is an abnormal situation that is addressed many times in training; allowing the crew to complete the necessary actions that contributed to a successful outcome in this event.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: CE560 Captain experiences loss of engine oil pressure during initial climb. The engine is shut down and the flight diverts to a suitable airport.

Narrative: After leveling at 3000 FT following departure for traffic separation; we were given a clearance to continue climb to 13000. Power was added and climb was uneventful through 6000 FT. At approximately 6500 FT we received a red master warning flasher; followed with the Left Oil pressure low annunciator. A check of the oil pressure and temperature gauges revealed that while the oil temperature presently remained at a normal value; the left oil pressure gauge confirmed that the left engine had no oil pressure; the tape gauge was reading zero. Announcing to the Co-pilot that we had lost oil pressure to the left engine; I asked for the Oil Pressure Low checklist; while completing the first memory item of reducing the power on the left engine. Memory items for that failure require a precautionary engine shutdown with oil pressures less than 20 psi. Crew performed the shutdown procedure and secured the engine using the Precautionary Shutdown checklist. Advising Approach of our engine out situation; we requested a [diversion to a suitable airport]. Approach leveled us at 8000 FT and turned us immediately to the north and offered us a left base entry. Weather at the time was CAVU; and upon turning to the north; the airport and runway were easily identified. Approach cleared us for the visual number one; and proceeded to ask for necessary information regarding the nature of our situation; souls on board; and whether any other assistance was needed. At this point; checklists for engine failure and shutdown were already completed and the situation was well under control; so we declined needing further assistance; however Approach had already requested the equipment to be standing by for landing. At this time we were completing the Single Engine approach and landing checklists; and continued to a 'normal'; uneventful landing. Rollout and taxi to the ramp were normal; aircraft was well under landing weight with no overweight or braking issues; and Airport Fire and Rescue were advised that no problems remained and the alert was terminated for them.Inspection of the engine after opening the engine cowling revealed oil leaking from several locations on the lower rear portion of the engine. Further inspection by our mechanic and Cessna Aircraft identified that one or two of the carbon seals in the oil system had probably failed; causing the resulting zero indication and warning systems to activate. This is an abnormal situation that is addressed many times in training; allowing the crew to complete the necessary actions that contributed to a successful outcome in this event.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.