Incident at FREDERICTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

2010-02-01: PA31, departed Fredericton (CYFC) at 13:25C for Grand Manan (CCN2) on a Company VFR flight iternary. While enroute, the aircraft encountered engine difficulties. The number-1 engine was shut down and the aircraft returned to Fredericton. The aircraft requested no assistance but the Emergency Response Unit was notified and stood by while the aircraft landed. The aircraft landed without incident at 13:42Z. TSB Case Closed

2010-02-03: UPDATE Maintenance & Manufacturing: The pilot reported that while in flight the number-1 engine oil pressure slowly started to drop off and the engine RPM dropped as well. As the oil pressure came close to the red line they shut down the engine and put it to feather. Upon inspection the engine still had 8 litres off oil and no oil leaks.The number-3 cylinder had low compression and metal was found in the oil filter & screen. The engine has been removed for further inspection to determine the cause.

2010-02-12: UPDATE TSB: A10A0014: C-FRKG, a Capital Airways Piper PA31, had departed Grand Manan for Yarmouth on a non-revenue flight with two pilots as the sole occupants. Just after departure at 200 feet agl, the flight crew noticed that the left engine RPM was decreasing. They then noticed that the left engine oil pressure was also decreasing at which point the captain elected to shut down the engine (Lycoming TIO-540-A). They did not declare an emergency; however, they diverted the flight to Fredericton and landed safely without further incident with ARFF standing by. Maintenance inspection revealed metal particles in the engine crankcase. Further information on the cause of the failure will be forthcoming.

2010-02-09: UPDATE General Aviation: The engine failure took place after departure from Grand Manan enroute to Fredericton.