King Air C90 E90
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Total 3000; Flight Crew Type 150
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown
Aircraft
I had 4 souls on board; 3 hours of fuel; we filed for FL220. We were in the air for almost an hour when I heard an explosion on the left engine; sparks were coming out the exhaust pipe. At time I was talking to ATC about my alternate destination. As soon I could I requested vectors to the nearest airport. At the same time I did a precautionary engine shutdown. I idled the power; fuel conditioner off; feather and fuel shut off valve off. At that time ATC told me I had an airport at 3 miles north; but I declined requesting a major airport with all the emergency equipment standing by. They told me about ZZZ1. I declined and requested ZZZ. We were heading that way while in the mean time I was trying to calm my crew and line up with the localizer for runway XXL. I intercepted the localizer; but I came in high so I desired to go-around and come back. I made left traffic for runway 33L. We landed safely without any issues.
King Air 90 pilot reported an engine failure at FL220 and diverted to the nearest suitable airport.