October 30, 1990
Partial Engine Failure in a C-172. Another Trip Returning from Ft Myers
It was another one of my trips to Sanibel / Ft Myers area. On my way home from FMY to ORL one evening in October, I was at 5500 ft, in the vicinity of what I called “The Hands”. See below.
Partial Loss of Power
I was flying along in N75885, a 1976 Cessna 172M. (Why is it always this plane that gave me engine problems?)
I was cruising along at 2400 RPM when I heard a “Chunk!” and I lost RPM. It went down to about 1950 RPM. I went through all my procedures and nothing changed. I was able to maintain 5500 feet but only getting about 70 KIAS.
“Center N75885 here, I’ve lost partial power to my engine. No emergency yet but I’d like to expedite to KORL.”
“Roger that 885 you can go direct to KORL and you are cleared in to the TCA (what they used to call the class Bravo)”
“Cleared in to the TCA, thanks, 885”
Slowly Deteriorating
My mechanic Lenny told me later I should have put it down right there at Winter Haven or Lake Wales to avoid “further damage to the engine” but I was still flying and wanted to get it home. I wanted to get ME home. Yeah we’ve head that one before haven’t we? Yes, I had “get home itis”.
I started to notice the RPMs were dropping ever so slightly. I was down to 1900 now. Still maintaining altitude but down to 65 KIAS.
Orlando Approach was Helpful
Orlando Approach was already aware of my situation (thank you Miami Center!) and continued me directly to the airport, even moving a few airliners slightly out of the way.
I also told them the power was slightly decreasing. Down to 1850 RPM and not maintaining altitude, but only about a 50fpm rate of descent.
They asked me if I wanted to declare an emergency? I said not yet, because for some reason I was afraid of doing that. Really there is no reason to be afraid of that. They handed me to Exec Tower.
My “Favorite” Tower Controller
As soon as I heard Tower I recognized the guy’s voice. I knew this guy. I can’t remember his name but we had bumped heads before. I thought of him as “an arrogant jerk.” In retrospect he probably thought the same of me.
“Exec Tower N75885 headed directly for the airport, slight loss of power.”
“75885 Exec Tower you are #6 for the airport. Turn left and join a 10 mile final behind a Piper Seneca.”
“Uh, I’m losing altitude. I won’t be able to do that.”
“75885 are you declaring an emergency?” “Well yes I guess I have to”
“Please state that you are declaring an emergency.” “I said yes”
“Please state that you are declaring an emergency. SAY THE WORDS”
He was being a dick. I declared an emergency and he made me give him ALL the information, fuel and souls on board, pilot’s name and phone number, current ratings and which side of the bed I got up in the morning, etc.
On the Ground
I finally got on the ground and he cleared me to stop on Taxiway Alpha and wait for the Ground Vehicle to escort me to the ramp.
“I have taxi power.” “Please follow instructions.” “Roger that, 885.” “885 please read back the instructions.” “OK I’m waiting for the ground vehicle to escort me!” “Thank you contact ground on 121.4”
Well Harry showed up (the ops driver for Exec 419) and walked over to my window as my engine was running. “I thought you had an engine failure? Did you get it started again?”
“It never totally failed. I can taxi back on my own power.”
“Then why the hell did he call me out here? OK see you at the ramp.” I shrugged.
“Exec Ground N75885 on Alpha. Harry told me to taxi to the ramp. Is that OK with you?”
“885 Exec Ground yeah that’s fine but he has some paperwork for you so don’t leave the footprint of the airplane.”
Awesome – it was Todd, my favorite Exec controller. I knew he was on my side.
“Roger that 885 out. Thanks Todd.” “No problem John!”
At the Ramp
Harry came over as I was tying down and said “Why does he want you to fill out an accident/incident report? There was no accident or incident here …”
I agreed. Harry then said “Well don’t worry about it. I’ll inform him that there was nothing worth reporting, you lost a cylinder (he was right) and brought it home safely.”
Thank you Harry wherever you are. You were always the “cool ops guy” in my book.
What Happened?
According to Lenny it “popped a jug” (a cylinder head) and caused extensive damage to the engine. He said later, I probably didn’t make it worse by bringing it all the way home but of course added “Next time don’t be stupid. Land as soon as practical.”
OK Lenny. I will!
Incidentally that controller left the facility shortly after that day. I never heard from him again. I admit I’m not sorry about that!
On the other hand I see Todd all the time, he is flying for a corporate aircraft owner here at KORL. He is still a great guy.
