Cessna Stationair/Turbo Stationair 7/8
Flight Crew Commercial
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Enroute the aircraft engine began to run rough. I ran through the emergency procedures. Switched fuel tanks; mixture was already full forward due to my altitude below 3;000 FT. Prop full forward; throttle full forward; boost pump on. The engine seemed to run worse with the boost pump on so I secured it. At this point I was below 500 FT and had to focus on finding a landing spot. Only one suitable lake was within my gliding distance. I picked my landing spot and applied full flaps. I declared an emergency on company frequency; but did not hear a response. After touchdown the aircraft tires broke through the ice into about 12 inches of water and came to rest on a second layer of ice. The engine was still idling normally at this time. I was concerned that the aircraft might sink; or become frozen into the ice; so I attempted to taxi to the lake shore approximately 100 FT in front of the aircraft. It required full power to get the aircraft moving. After 3-4 seconds at full power the engine would become very sluggish; bog-out; no power. I returned the engine to idle; waited 5-10 seconds; and then reapplied full power. The plane would move forward then bog-out again. It would maintain full power for only a few seconds. I continued this procedure until I reached the shore. I did notice the engine was running very hot during this time; almost red line. After idling on the bank for a few minutes I managed to taxi through the snow to a firm looking piece of ground; slightly uphill from the bank. I shut down the aircraft engine; all lights and avionic except for 1 radio; to conserve battery power. I was then able to contact another company aircraft to begin the search and rescue operations. I was returning empty; with no passengers; or revenue on board.
Air taxi pilot experiences low engine power which results in landing on a frozen lake. After landing the wheels break through the surface ice and come to rest on a second layer of ice. With the engine still running the reporter is able to taxi to the shore and call for assistance.