Accident at TRENTON NS (CYTN)

2010-01-19: A Canadian registered Cessna 177RG, enroute from Trenton (CYTN) to Charlottetown (CYYG), advised of an engine malfunction and the aircraft was observed descending. The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), Moncton Area Control Centre (ACC) and the Halifax Flight Information Centre (FIC) were advised. There was no contact on the Nav Canada Auxiliary Radar Display System (NARDS) in Charlottetown. AT 19:24Z Trenton airport advised that the aircraft was in the trees (approximately two miles northeast of Trenton Air Field) and the pilot and passenger were out of the aircraft. TSB Case Closed.

2010-01-29: UPDATE TSB: A10A0005: A Cessna Cardinal C177RG had taken off from runway 07 at CYTN - Trenton Airport, NS, on a test flight after maintenance. The pilot contacted the airport radio and indicated they were experiencing engine trouble. The aircraft had climbed to approximately 1000' AGL when the engine RPM decreased and thrust was lost. Engine RPM fluctuated between 600 to 1200 RPM and the pilot could not maintain altitude. The aircraft descended into a stand of alder brush and small birch trees on a heading of 230 degrees magnetic. It then contacted several large softwood trees before coming to rest against a large tree on a heading of 122 degrees magnetic. Both individuals on board received minor injuries and emergency services were dispatched to the site. The aircraft was destroyed. There was no post crash fire. The TSB attended the site of the accident. During inspection of the engine, it was noted that there was a loose fuel line at the inlet of the fuel injection distribution manifold which would lead to inaccurate fuel metering and loss of fuel pressure to all four cylinders.

2010-01-22: UPDATE TSB: The TSB deployed to the site. Investigation revealed a loose fuel line into the fuel distribution valve which likley caused the engine to malfuntion.