We were returning from Disney yesterday afternoon, flying around the Florida panhandle. I don't recall exact which controller I was with at that moment, but at 11:42 EDT a Mooney (N35LA) reported an engine problem and diversion to KTLH (Tallahassee). ATC asked if he needed assistance and he stated it was right now just a monitored anomaly with some roughness and it was a precautionary landing.
A few minutes later he declared an emergency, stating he lost is #4 cylinder. I have a feeling he made it fine to TLH, but he was looking for the nearest airport, so there must have been some urgency involved. I hope it all worked out for them.
My route from Texas to Winter Haven and back avoided much Gulf overflight by design. As reliable as these engines are, I don't want to swim for my life.
