A CRJ-200 flight crew failed to note the pitot cover for the standby airspeed indicator was still in place during their preflight. The error was discovered in flight.
Synopsis
A CRJ-200 flight crew failed to note the pitot cover for the standby airspeed indicator was still in place during their preflight. The error was discovered in flight.
Narrative
As I walked onto the airplane to store my roll-a-board and flight case; I checked the cabinet to see if there were any pitot covers inside. There was one cover already inside. I completed the outside preflight and collected the additional two pitot covers and boarded the aircraft. After takeoff; the Captain; Check Airman; and I heard a loud noise on the left side of the aircraft. Along with the loud noise; was a fluctuation of airspeed on the standby airspeed indicator. After leaving 8;000 FT; the noise stopped. After reaching 10;000 FT; I asked the Check Airman to verify for me that three pitot covers were on board; which there were. After landing the Check Airman looked outside to find that the standby pitot cover was; in fact; left on the pitot tube and missed during preflight. There were a total of four pitot covers on board!I had become complacent during preflight and assumed that the pitot cover that was left on the airplane had belonged to the standby airspeed pitot tube. This is because I often find that the standby pitot cover is left inside the aircraft during overnights due to some crews being unable to reach the pitot tube. Next time; I will be sure to conduct a more detailed and attentive preflight. I will not assume that the minimum amount of pitot covers are on board and will verify that all pitot tubes are uncovered.
Second reporter narrative
The ground crew were preoccupied with organizing a breakfast run after the push and I had to call for them a few times before I could get there attention. Maybe they were thinking more of their breakfast when they gave the sign that all panels were closed and we were all clear. Unfortunately; they; too; missed the cover.The final possible contributing factor could have been that it was an early show and the hotel we were staying had two false fire alarms the night before and evacuating the building interrupted our rest.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.