SR22
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 1250; Flight Crew Type 750
Workload; Troubleshooting; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
We were on VFR flight following. We were in descent from 9;500 MSL with a 35-40 NM/HR quartering tailwind. The engine began to run rough and lose power. I felt a total loss of power was imminent and called a 'mayday' to Approach who I was connected to via VFR flight following. I was very near an airport and initiated an emergency descent for landing and the power continued to lessen. Approach asked for souls on board and fuel. At approximately 3;000 MSL I switched fuel tanks; applied full power; the automatic alternate air door engaged; and I applied full rich mixture. Adequate power returned to sustain flight. I aborted the emergency descent; leveled; and asked Approach for direct to my destination airport and was shortly granted direct to the runway by Approach. I was able to maintain approximately 3;200 MSL but engine instruments indicated excessive manifold pressure. I was able to maintain fuel mixture and throttle to maintain altitude and return engine instruments to the high end of the 'green' operating range. The Tower Controller cleared me to land on the runway and a normal full stop landing was made. I was able to taxi to the hangar and will contact on field mechanics for assistance. I am submitting the form as I called for help via a 'MAYDAY' call to Approach. My wife was on board; also a SEL private pilot of 250+ hours. We greatly appreciated the professionalism and prompt handling by Approach and the Tower Controllers.
The pilot stated that this is his third SR22 and the third annual on this particular aircraft. The loss of power because of a fuel control adjustment was continuing anomaly which started after the last annual so the Reporter is not sure but a mis-adjustment made during service may have caused the problem. He has had no other serious issues with any of his aircraft before this anomaly began.
A SR22 pilot experienced a power loss as a result of a fuel control mis adjustment so he declared an emergency while completing the emergency procedures which ultimately restored enough power that he undeclared the emergency and landed at his nearby destination.