Bonanza 35
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
The aircraft was en route westbound until I noticed he was 300 FT low and I questioned him. The pilot informed me the aircraft was experiencing an engine vibration and oil pressure problem. The pilot declared an emergency and was 20-25 miles northwest of [a nearby airport] and decided to land there. The aircraft was at 10;000 FT and I issued a clearance direct [to the airport] and pilot discretion descent to 4;000 (the airplane was spiraling down to make sure he was over the airport and didn't want to lose altitude). In the meantime there was a C177/g tracking northeast bound direct and landing [another nearby airport]. A BE35 got within 3 miles of the Cardinal but safety was not compromised because the pilot knew where the traffic was at all times due to traffic calls. To my knowledge the separation was 3 miles and 700 FT. I knew the airplanes would not hit each other; and I did not want to issue a clearance that would disturb or fluster the emergency aircraft. The pilot advised that he had the field in sight and wanted to cancel but I suggested that he at least keep VFR flight following until I lost him on RADAR. I told him to give me a call once he landed so I would know if he was OK. The pilot called me approximately 4 minutes after my last transmission and advised me he was on the ground safely. In retrospect; I should have turned the Cardinal 20 to 30 degrees right and the airplanes would have been 5 miles or greater but I wanted to get the emergency aircraft down as quickly as possible. I knew the airplanes would not get together and I made a judgment call. The pilot landed with no problems and no injuries.
Enroute Controller described a less than authorized separation event when a emergency aircraft elected to circle the airport of intended landing to ensure a safe landing.