PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude
General Declared Emergency
Aircraft; Weather
I vectored a C172 out of holding over the OMN VOR at 20 to the East to release the PA-28 off Runway XX climbing to 1;500 feet. I RADAR identified the PA-28; issued a climb to 2;000 feet and turned him to a 270 heading. I cleared the C172 back to the VOR to re-enter the hold. The PA-28 turned south transmitting; 'Mayday mayday mayday.' The pilot advised me he had lost his turn coordinator and was trying to fly straight and level. I provided emergency assistance. I issued a turn to the south to the C172 to avoid the PA-28. During the next few minutes; the pilot of the PA-28 flew various headings and climbed as necessary to keep the aircraft straight and level. I vectored all aircraft out of holding away from the PA-28 until he became VFR on top at about 3;500 feet. He was able to accept a frequency change at that time to work on his issue. The entire airspace was IFR. The pilot was just trying to stay airborne.
TRACON Controller described an emergency event when the aircraft in question lost instrumentation need for flight.