Bonanza 35
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 2500; Flight Crew Type 200
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
During climbout on a VFR flight passing approximately 7;500 feet MSL; the engine of a BE35 V35 Bonanza began running rough and fuel spray was seen on the windscreen.  Fuel fumes were also smelled in the cockpit.  VFR flight-following had been previously requested and provided by Approach Control.  Upon notification of engine difficulty; Approach provided a vector to the nearest airport; and queried if assistance was needed.  The pilot replied that assistance was not needed.  Approach then directed the pilot to squawk 1200 and switch to advisory frequency; to which the pilot replied with a request for the advisory frequency.  Approach provided the frequency.  During this exchange; the engine was exhibiting signs of fuel starvation and/or interrupted fuel flow; as well as continued fuel odor in the cockpit and fuel visible on the windscreen.  Upon switching to the advisory frequency; the pilot heard another aircraft in the pattern.  At this time; due to continued intermittent engine response; the pilot declared that he was an emergency aircraft and would be making a straight-in landing.  The other traffic in the pattern responded that he would remain clear of the emergency aircraft.  The pilot then executed a successful emergency landing on the runway; with the engine quitting at idle during rollout on the runway.  The aircraft coasted to a stop off the runway on Taxiway 'H' and the passengers and pilot egressed safely.  Subsequent post-flight examination of the engine found a loose fuel line.
The pilot of a V35 Bonanza experienced engine power problems and diverted to a nearby airport. A loose fuel line was identified as the problem.