Incidents at Heathrow as a result of aircraft storage

The UK CAA and AAIB have been advised of 3 dangerous incidents occurring between 9 and 11 June.

It appears that aircraft have suffered pitot blockages that resulted in airspeed discrepancies on the first take-off after storage. The pitot tube measures the forward dynamic pressure on the aircraft, giving pilots and systems the ‘indicated air speed’ (IAS).

It appears that insect infestation during storage may have caused the tubes to be blocked, giving incorrect readings of vital airspeed. The aircraft involved were of different types and had been in low utilisation operation and parked for periods of 3-7 days at various locations within the airport.

We join the CAA in advising flyers and maintenance personnel to check pitot tubes on all aircraft returning to flying after prolonged inactivity due to Covid restrictions.

Further details from the CAA