Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 4150; Flight Crew Type 500
Time Pressure; Troubleshooting; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
Aircraft took off from ZZZ enroute to ZZZ1 on a VFR Flight. When approximately 10NM west of ZZZ at an altitude of 1;400 ft. MSL; a slight inconsistency the operation of the engine was noted. When another brief change in engine sound and operation was heard and felt again; a climb was initiated to 2;500 ft. MSL. As the PIC (Pilot in Command) and sole occupant of the aircraft; when another brief change in engine sound and operation was heard and felt; a turn back to ZZZ was initiated. While returning to ZZZ the sporadic changes in engine operation become more frequent. At approximately 5NM from the airfield; priority landing status announced on CTAF to other aircraft operating in the pattern and practicing instrument approaches. At approximately 3NM west of the approach end of RWY (Runway) XX; the aircraft would no longer maintain level flight. A descending left 180* turn directly to a grassy field was executed. Configuring the aircraft for landing; an additional 90* turn to the south was made in order to land length-wise into the field. After maximum braking; the aircraft came to a stop in the southwest corner of the field; approximately 30 yards from the field perimeter. Landing rollout was approximately 960 ft. No injuries to the pilot; no damage to the aircraft; and no damage to property occurred. A number of local emergency personnel and vehicles responded within 5 minutes. Local media also arrived on scene as well as some witnesses. Word was passed to the property owners regarding the occurrence. Aircraft recovery efforts are forthcoming; and the plane will be disassembled and trucked home.
Single Pilot reported a forced landing due to a malfunctioning engine. No injuries; no damage to aircraft or property.