PA-31 Navajo/Chieftan/Mojave/T1040
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 43.8; Flight Crew Total 5623.1; Flight Crew Type 493.2
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; General Maintenance Action; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
After initial climbout; the right engine started to surge. The other pilot and I both noticed that the oil and cylinder head temperatures also started to rise. With no clear explanation of the cause; I performed a precautionary shutdown of the right engine. We informed ATC and declared an emergency when switched to Approach Control. They asked us if we needed CFR and; not knowing the extent of the situation; we requested the services. We proceeded to land without further incident. After inspection by a Mechanic; it was found that the right magneto had partially failed.
When the right engine of their PA-31 started to surge and display increasing oil and cylinder head temperatures the flight crew performed an in-flight shutdown; declared an emergency with ATC; and diverted to the nearest suitable airport.