Cirrus SR22 - Real Emergency Over the Ocean Inside a TFR

UPDATE: it was a clogged injector on #6 cylinder.
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On this video I experienced my first true emergency. After leveling out at 7,000 feet about 25 miles East of Palm Beach over open ocean, the engine started running rough and would only run smoothly with the electric fuel pump.

After troubleshooting for a few moments I realized that the best course of action was to turn around and cancel the flight.

ATC handled this is a top emergency and declared it for me. It is amazing to see how fast ATC operated and coordinated everything. Special thanks to Boca Raton and Palm Beach ATC for their amazing response and professionalism!

I apologize for my audio recording failing after about 10 minutes - that's the downside of using an iPhone for cockpit audio recording.

Enjoy the video, Like and Subscribe and send me your comments. Any Cirrus pilots that have a similar issue let me know what you think.

For those that are ready to criticize, remember, you were NOT pilot in command, I was, and I brought everyone home safe and calm. I was inside an active TFR as well so any turns towards Palm Beach without proper coordination could be more dangerous and making a manageable situation a very bad incident.

Happy Skies!

[ihfly]

You got your family home safe. Anyone questioning your judgement needs to examine their own. Good work. Love the videos. Keep them coming

[toddsteadman]

You broke the chain of "get there itis" that kills so many GA pilots. Nicely done. I'm sure there was a lot of personal, and probably family and friends, "pressure" for you to arrive at a certain time. I'm ATC and a private pilot and teach a lot about "breaking the chain" of bad decision making which you handled so well. Turks & Caicos can wait!! Your family should be very proud as am I.

[ztrthcia]

You did the one and only correct thing in that situation, turning back! Well handled, sir!

[jameshoiby]

I never get tired of seeing how the systems come together to respond to an emergency. It makes me proud of our responders every time. Thank you for the awesome video!

[larumpole]

Niko, 100% correct decision. Bravo. I was in a similar situation years ago in Cessna Golden Eagle, my boss was captain, I was first officer. At 24, 000 we lost cabin heat, had low oil pressure and high EGT on starboard engine. Weather ahead was not good, meaning single engine operation would be very difficult if the engine failed. My boss wanted to press on. I insisted we return to base. He later thanked me. Remember, there are old pilots and bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots.

[paulschannel]

With family onboard and over water.... after a second failed ATC contact attempt failed, my first thought was to squawk 7700 and make a 180. You stayed cool and perfectly navigated this true emergency. Well done!

[bryski]

Huge respect for how you have handled this emergency, calm and collected. As someone who sails as a hobby, I also have experienced frustrating times with decisions I had to make in a very short period of time. So I understand how much pressure you were under in situations like these and I give you credit for how calmly you have handled an emergency situation.

[servanttofriend]

Haven't read through the comments yet, but I'm sure there is a lot of criticism... Just wanted to say to @Niko'sWings, you got your family on the ground safely. That's what matters most.

[pilotnishantdesai]

Glad you and your family are safe and as a pilot in command, pilot decision making is important and you did the right thing in my opinion. ATC and emergency services have been extremely helpful. It’s a good learning experience for me. Thanks for the wonderful video my friend.

[redknight]

This is a textbook example of managing an IFE before it became a catastrophic engine failure in flight while maintaining as many alternative options as possible. Excellent job of managing a difficult situation, but staying ahead of the developing issues.

[johnfowler]

I'm a controller myself and I've dealt with many situations like this myself. Pretty much any engine problem, ATC will treat it as an emergency, even if it's not literally "declared." I discussed the ARFF procedures with the ARFF chief at my airport once, and he told me that they Like to bring the vehicles out for any situation like this. They enjoy the opportunity to practice and a real situation or emergency is usually better than a practice one, although I've done plenty of those too. Pilots should never be concerned about this. When ATC declares an emergency for you and the equipment rolls, it doesn't count against you in any way... we appreciate the practice and just hope that the aircraft will land safely.

[bradleyotto]

I realize this happened in 2017. But your calm demeanor and the way the way you took care of the flight is a credit to your skills. I hope I can be the same level-headed pilot you are one day.

[AtomicG]

you made the best decision possible. You had the responsibility of family on board and not to mention the lives on the ground if your aircraft was to go down. You remained very calm, articulate and mindful despite the thousands of thoughts and emotions that must run through your mind. God bless you and again you're a fantastic pilot and I would fly with you any day.

[albertcrowe]

Excellent descission making on your part and great job ATC! Safe flying! Thanks for sharing!

[davecat]

New subscriber after just watching you and Stefan chatting. Well done. Learned a lot watching. First and foremost...you sure seemed to keep calm and stayed focused. No doubt, you were extremely concerned and did well not to panic your family. You and ATC handled it marvelously...single engine over water...no Keep posting, I'll keep watching!

[mg_claymore]

As a pilot in charge you are responsible for all souls on board. You did a great job Niko!

Always learn alot from you, my friend.

[duffkw]

Very impressed, tragedy avoided by skilled, professional pilot. I am very impressed by your calmness, never alarming your passengers, very professional. My (our) son is off to Aviation school to obtain his 4 year degree, I hope Sam can be as calm as you if and when a true emergency arises. Again, Impressed Sir.

[HarryPotter-kdbh]

The honesty and humility it takes to upload these videos is why I subscribe to you. Stay safe!

[seanhaddock]

What a great video, this is a great example for people that aren't pilots or have no experience. It's just goes to show how many things can go wrong in a secant, and the complexity of aviation. People forget that they're not in a car and can pull off to the side of the road if mechanical problems arise. I can't imagine the pressure of being over open water, one engine, 7000 ft over ocean with my wife and child. This guy is super dad and took no chances protecting his family. Great video, I'm glad your family and you made safely to the ground and got to enjoy your vacation. The Cirrus plane really is a cool plane.

[patricks]

Well done. I really like how you explained your thought process. We were able to get in your head to hear what you were thinking at the time and how you came to the decisions you made. Very well done indeed.