2010-08 · NASA ASRS report 902268
EMB190 Flight Crew and a Mechanic report on an air turn back due to airspeed malfunction caused by tape residue on a smart probe (pitot tube).
We taxied out for departure and all systems were normal. I was the pilot not flying and the First Officer was the pilot flying. After takeoff; we were in our climb when I notice a flicker on my PFD; we were level 4 automation. I get this message on my PFD of IAS and it was amber. At this time I noticed my airspeed had increased to 260 KTS. I ask the pilot flying to check his airspeed. He was indicating 250 KTS. By this time; my airspeed went to 270 KTS and then we got the aural warning that the A/P (Autopilot) had disconnected and then the A/T (Autothrottle) disconnected also. We received a couple of EICAS messages. I ask the Controller if we could level off to access the problem. After leveling off we realize my airspeed was erroneous and with the EICAS messages; we elected to return to the field. We did not declare an emergency but we did return to the field and an overweight landing was made. The log book writeup reflects this with the problem we had in flight.After our arrival at the gate; we were met by the mechanics. We were not sure why I lost my airspeed indication and we first thought it could have been a bird strike. While the mechanics were inspecting the smart probes with their flashlights; they ask me if the aircraft was DRY WASHED the night before and I told them it was. Upon further investigation of the smart probes; we could see some type of residue inside that was kind of a clear substance. This was found in the right smart probe. They said that this was more than likely what cause me to lose my airspeed indication. There was a question as to whether the proper procedures were followed for securing the smart probes. The flight was canceled. For anyone who gets an aircraft that was dry washed the night before; extra attention should be made to inspect the pitot tubes (smart probes). This would be better done with a flashlight regardless of the time of day. It cannot be detected on a normal walk around.
Aircraft departed airport this morning and had an air turn back; after getting multiple air data messages; due to tape residue on the pitot tubes. The aircraft was dry washed by Contract Maintenance; although it was never assigned to our Talley Work Card packet. I and another mechanic covered the pitot tubes for the dry wash and they were done very early this morning; it was still dark outside. I and another mechanic removed the tape and we both verified the tape was removed from the probes. The Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) does not have a work card or criteria for washing an Embraer 190. The job cards for all other aircraft like the Airbus and Boeing fleet types do state; to use vinyl tape to cover the static ports and pitot tubes.The event occurred because the aircraft had a dry wash the night before even though it was not assigned in our company work packet; and tape residue was left on the pitot tubes. New pitot tubes were ordered to be installed on the aircraft. We need to get the proper pitot tube covers for dry washing our aircraft; and not use vinyl tape as it can leave a residue.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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