Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 5500; Flight Crew Type 2100
Troubleshooting; Training / Qualification; Time Pressure; Communication Breakdown; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Declared Emergency
Airport; Aircraft; Procedure
Shortly after takeoff; the aircraft propeller RPM fell to about 450 RPM. An attempt was made to try to feather the propeller and there was no control of the propeller. The Tower was advised that immediate landing was required. The Tower cleared me for landing. While on base to final; the Tower cleared another aircraft for takeoff. The aircraft delayed the takeoff roll and the Tower kept commanding the aircraft to vacate the runway or takeoff immediately. The Tower then instructed me to go around. I advised the Tower that going around was not an option as I could not safely execute a go around (I was fully configured for landing and had a propeller that was creating drag). The aircraft on the runway finally took off and I landed while that aircraft was on the upwind. The Tower advised the aircraft on the upwind that he may have committed a pilot deviation.
A C421 propeller RPM dropped to about 450 after takeoff so the pilot attempted unsuccessfully to feather it and when unable made an emergency return to the airport.