Lancair IV/IVP
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 2260; Flight Crew Type 1550
Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Was in cruise flight in VMC at FL190 when there was an abrupt loss of power (manifold pressure-MP-went from cruise setting of 27.8' to about 17') and loss of cabin pressurization (went from cabin altitude of 10;000 feet to 16;500 feet); accompanied by a feeling that the engine was about to quit. I took plane off autopilot; donned the O2 mask and turned O2 on; while simultaneously beginning emergency descent. I called an emergency to Center and advised them of my descent and situation. They asked if I was making any power at all; and I responded that I thought so but would report back. They were extremely professional and supportive and vectored a clear path for me. As I descended to 12;000 feet I noted that all other engine parameters were functioning normally; including normal CHT's (296-344) and EGT's (1430-1480); with perhaps a bit low TIT's (max 1440); normal fuel pressure and oil pressure/temperature; normal amps and voltage; and normal RPM of 2500. I surmised I had lost my turbo-boost and that my mixture was over-rich. I had initially put the mixture full forward (boost pump was already on low); but now began to lean the mixture; and the MP came up to 24.9' which I was able to maintain without difficulty. As the problem was felt in all likelihood to represent either a loose hose or waste gate failure; and the aircraft was behaving normally at the lower altitude in an normally aspirated fashion; I elected to monitor the situation closely and continue to the destination which had the maintenance shop for the aircraft (it had just come out of annual a week or so prior to this flight). I informed Center of the situation; and asked how I could best help them in terms of vectoring me to get me 'out of their hair' in the busy corridor and they vectored me without problem. The flight continued on successfully at 12;000 feet and without incident; and the aircraft is now in the hands of the mechanics to sort out. I cannot compliment the ATC controllers enough for their help and reassurance during this stressful event. I am pleased that the recurrent training I regularly go through discusses procedures to handle situations such as these.
Lancair pilot at FL190 experiences a sudden power loss combined with loss of cabin pressurization. An emergency is declared and flight descends to 12;000 feet where available engine power is sufficient and flight continues to destination. A turbocharger malfunction was thought to be the culprit although the aircraft had just come out of annual inspection.