Monday 31 October, 2016
CASA have issued a warning about the dangers of mud wasp infestation. It can take the little fellers just 20 minutes to build a nest which can block a pitot tube, vent or drain.
Between 2010 and 2015, CASA received about 20 reports of mud wasps affecting large aircraft. There have also been reports from overseas of fatal accidents attributed to wasp nests blocking the pitot tube, resulting in loss of airspeed indication. CASA reminds owners that the danger also applies to light aircraft.
A recent investigation found wasp nests inside the wing of a Cessna 182, in the cavity formed between the rear spar and the flap fairing. There was also a large wasp nest suspended on the flight control cables in the rear fuselage.
All wasp nest and/ or insect infestations and any associated defects or operational difficulties should be reported to RAAus via the Occurrence Management System (OMS).
This factsheet provides general information about Mud Wasp infestation and was originally published in Sport Pilot Magazine Issue 58, June 2016. |