Cracked cylinder ends flight early

This is an excerpt from a report made to the Aviation Safety Reporting System. The narrative is written by the pilot, rather than FAA or NTSB officials. To maintain anonymity, many details, such as aircraft model or airport, are often scrubbed from the reports.

I was direct ZZZ and had just climbed to 12,000 feet, expecting to climb to flight level 180 soon, when I noticed the Cirrus SR22’s engine oil pressure was low.

I kept an eye on it to make sure it wasn’t a faulty indication and immediately told ATC I needed to change my destination to ZZZ1.

I was searching for alternate airports and saw ZZZ2 was very close.

I got a visual alert for low oil pressure and asked ATC how long the runway at ZZZ2 was. When I heard it was about 4,500 feet, I told them I was going there.

I could easily see the field. Since I was at 12,000 feet and easily within glide range, I pulled the throttle back to idle to prevent further engine problems and began my descent to the field.

I checked for traffic and made a quick radio call on the CTAF.

I had a lot of altitude to lose, so I circled and entered a left downwind for the runway.

There was a south wind and I preferred landing on the grass on the north end of the field. The landing was good and we exited the plane.

I called an A&P. When we removed the cowling, a crack in the third cylinder was visible and oil was dripping down onto the turbo and the exhaust.

I am still in the process of having it repaired.

Primary Problem: Aircraft

ACN: 1910289