Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 250; Flight Crew Type 320
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Procedure; Human Factors; Aircraft
I departed runway XY to rejoin XZ pattern which was the active runway & pattern. On the crosswind leg at approximately 400 - 500 ft a significant coolant leak was detected in the cabin and coolant was observed running down side of fuselage & door on pilot side. I turned 180 degree and declared an emergency. With an assumption of complete coolant loss; low altitude; and a potential loss of engine I announced and proceeded to land on Taxiway C as the best and safest option. I know this airport well and Taxiway C is rarely ever used. Any other option would have required another 90 degree turn.
Experimental aircraft pilot reported an engine coolant leak and fearing an immediate engine failure; elected to land on a taxiway.