Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 350; Flight Crew Type 120
Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Time Pressure; Troubleshooting; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted
Procedure; Aircraft; Manuals
I was on an IFR flight plan from ZZZ to ZZZ1. I began to experience engine surging. I attempted to troubleshoot; but it continued to worsen. I informed Approach that I needed to divert to ZZZ2. That controller asked if I was declaring an emergency; and I said no; but he took my souls on board and fuel remaining. Shortly thereafter he switched me to another frequency. I checked in with that controller and continued to ZZZ2. The condition continued to worsen; so I attempted to contact Approach to let them know I was in an emergency and needed priority into ZZZ2. I attempted to contact Approach multiple times with no response. It sounded as though he was busy on other frequencies. In hindsight I should've squawked 7700; but didn't think of it at the time. I was primarily concentrating on flying the airplane and managing the engine.At this point I was inside ZZZ2's surface area and had reached the last altitude I had been cleared to. I needed to continue my descent to land; so after another failed attempt to contact Approach; I proceeded with my descent and switched to ZZZ2 tower. They were expecting me; and they contacted Approach and informed me I was cleared for the Visual Approach. I landed uneventfully otherwise. Police and fire were waiting for me.I was uncomfortable continuing the descent without being cleared and switching frequencies without being told; but felt both actions were necessary for the safe outcome of my flight. I should have officially declared my emergency when the first controller asked; and squawked 7700. It seems to me the second approach controller forgot about me; or perhaps he was busy making space for me; but either way the lack of communication did add a bit of stress to the situation.
An IFR single engine light aircraft pilot experienced engine surging and diverted to a nearby airport and landed safely. The pilot lost contact with Approach descended on their own and switched to the tower frequency.