Aero Commmander 100 Series
Flight Crew Private
Communication Breakdown; Workload; Troubleshooting; Time Pressure; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Airspace Violation All Types
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related
I had over flown an airport at approximately 1;200 FT MSL underneath a nearby AFB Class C airspace. When I cleared the airspace; I began a climb. At approximately 2;000 FT MSL; the engine began to run roughly and would only achieve 2;000 RPM. Carburetor heat was applied with temporary improvement. With leaning; the engine continued to run but would only maintain 2;000 RPM. A 180 degree turn was made toward the nearby civilian airport. I decided not to descend to maintain clearance from Military Class C airspace because I was not sure I would be able to glide to the civilian airport if the engine failed. I had entered Class C airspace before I had an opportunity to obtain the frequency for Approach. I contacted Approach; informed them of my difficulty and declared an emergency. I made an uneventful landing at the civilian airport where I was met by 2 aircraft mechanics. They determined that my cable leading to my carburetor box had loosened allowing the flap to restrict airflow to the engine. Coincidentally it was discovered that an exhaust pipe had cracked and the exhaust gases had begun to burn my cowling.
An Aero Commander 100 (Darter) lost engine power while climbing through 2;000 FT. The pilot turned to a nearby airport; but entered Military Class C airspace while conserving altitude. He declared an emergency with the TRACON and landed safely where the carburetor heat cable was found loose.