Bonanza 35
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 1550; Flight Crew Type 850
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
[We had a] catastrophic engine failure at 8;000 FT. ATC Center was fantastic. [We] landed safely at ZZZ. No fire just a hole in the side of the engine casing. All is well that ends well. No reporter to say airplane landed safely and no picture of plane tied down on tarmac. Other than the engine failing it was really an uneventful emergency; we rented a car and drove to destination. In hindsight I should have picked up on a new vibration and a slight oil burn smell that mostly went away 20 minutes earlier. But after about 10 hours of flight after the annual I didn't expect any issues. Other than that I don't think I had any warning. The oil consumption was normal and speed; power all seemed good. No lights or gauges misreading; just a big bang; vibration and a little smoke. [We] dove sharply to get below the clouds and to the airport. Did a quick right base and short final touched down at normal speeds and coasted off the runway. The Local Mechanic opened the cowling and found a 2x4 hole over the #5 cylinder. I have talked to a few mentors and more experienced pilots. All things considered I am a lucky pilot whose emergency happened at the right place. I think I will start having the oil filters evaluated for metal flaking at my annuals from now on.
BE35 pilot experiences a catastrophic engine failure at 8;000 FT within easy gliding range of a suitable airport and lands safely. A large hole is found over the number five cylinder.