PA-60 601/601P Aerostar
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 400; Flight Crew Total 23000; Flight Crew Type 200
Confusion; Situational Awareness; Distraction; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
While attempting to test fly the aircraft after annual; had some issues that possibly caused an ATC violation.We had departed ZZZ; climbing to an altitude of 17.5. I was having issues on the Number 1 comm on the left side of the aircraft (high squeal when transmitting). Right side was normal. After discussion with partner in right seat (ATP rated); we felt we could still complete our test flight. As we continued the climb; I asked my partner to get us flight following. As he checked on with center; he asked for an IFR clearance to FL250. Pressurization was another issue being test flown. As we received our clearance; I noticed it was getting more difficult to understand center; with scratchy radios. Climbing through approx. 11;000 I noticed the press had malfunctioned; and the cabin was climbing to our altitude. I asked my partner to cancel IFR; we would descend to below 10.5 VFR. In the confusion; he asked to maintain 15;000. I again said to cancel IFR and we would descend. Through the confusion; I thought I had heard ATC cancel our IFR; and believed that the squawk code would be used for flight following. I was just focused on descending due to my pressurization issues. Apparently; in all the confusion; I thought center had canceled our IFR. I made a 180 degree turn while descending. ATC then said in the future ask for the turn; could have been traffic behind you etc. There was nothing showing on my TCAS for at least 12 miles. I was confused by this statement; as I thought we were canceled and VFR. Also; about the time he finished the 'in the future' we were given a frequency change. We again told him we canceled the test flight and IFR; were proceeding to ZZZ1 VFR at 8.5. Shortly; afterwards he gave us a phone number to call. Well; that just exasperated the situation to me. Basically; it got in my head some; as I fly for a living. Finally; after approaching ZZZ1; we were slowed for traffic. Due to all these issues; and concern on the incident; I almost landed gear up with these distractions. A go around was done; also at which time tower also initiated a go-around call. I was way ahead of them. We entered pattern again; landed uneventfully. A lot of frustration on my part; as a professional pilot; I should know better than allowing ATC to get in my head. Unfortunately; today they were successful. For sure; aircraft will be down until issues fixed!
PA-60 Aerostar pilot reported several system malfunctions and a communication breakdown led to altitude and heading deviation prior to cancellation of IFR clearance.