Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Retractable Gear
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 1.0
Troubleshooting; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Airspace Violation All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Aircraft X started descending from his assigned altitude of 10;500 right on the boundary maybe a little bit inside of the Fire TFR. Once he cleared the airspace I gave him descent instruction to 10;000. At that point he advised me that he was having engine trouble and need to go directly to ZZZ. I turned him right to a 070 vector for the airport and advised him of the MIA in the area; the distance to ZZZ and the local altimeter. I asked if he could hold altitude and he was unsure but was going to try. At this point I had already notified my Supervisor of the issue and asked for a D-side and the status of all the airports in the area; whether they where open or not due to all the closures for the firefighting activity. Aircraft X was able to see the airport at approximately 3 miles out at about 8;500 MSL. I then advised him of the runway configuration and the CTAF frequency there but to remain with me till advised and asked him if he was looking to cancel IFR. At that point he canceled IFR and I told him to remain on his present code for Flight Following and further assistance. I then got notice that ZZZ was in fact closed for firefighting ops and advised Aircraft X of it and he then declared an emergency. [I] asked for the SOB and if he required any assistance on the ground. He requested for someone to meet him on the ground and my Supervisor had coordinated with one of the fire coordinators that were on the ground at ZZZ to check on him; make sure he lands and to call us back upon arrival. At approximately 6;500 feet I told the aircraft that someone is standing by at the airport for them and that I would lose radar and radio coverage with them and that radar service is terminated; squawk VFR; frequency change is approved and to call us upon arrival. A few minutes later we got word from the fire coordinator that they made it safely to the ground.Everything went as smooth as it could with the help of my D-side and Supervisor who where instrumental in helping my guide this aircraft safely to the airport and get all the coordination done.
Center Controller reports of an aircraft that has engine trouble; changes its destination and then lands at a Fire TFR closed airport safely.