Air transportation safety investigation A23O0008

Updated in March 2023 : This investigation is in the report phase.

Table of contents

    Loss of control in flight
    Cessna 560
    Chartright Air Inc.
    Cayuga, Ontario

    The occurrence

    On , a Chartright Air Inc. Cessna 560 was conducting a flight from Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport (CYYZ), Ontario, to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE), Florida, U.S., with 2 crew members and 3 passengers on board.

    While the aircraft was flying over Canadian territory, the left engine cowlings detached, resulting in loss of control. After a significant loss of altitude, the flight crew regained control, declared an emergency, and diverted to Buffalo/Niagara International Airport (KBUF), New York, U.S. The 2 pilots and 1 of the passengers sustained minor injuries.

    The remaining portion of the lower cowling fell from the aircraft after landing. Sections from the other cowling were missing from the aircraft and have not been located. The aircraft received damage to sections of the aft fuselage and the horizontal stabilizer.

    The TSB is investigating.


    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    A23O0008

    Loss of control in flight
    Cessna 560
    Chartright Air Inc.
    Cayuga, Ontario

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.