Actor Malfunction in Ice-Covered Air Pitot Device Triggers Below-Altitude Warning from Air Traffic Control

Actor Malfunction in Ice-Covered Air Pitot Device Triggers Below-Altitude Warning from Air Traffic Control

In a recent incident, an experienced pilot faced a challenging situation during an ILS approach due to a blockage in the pitot/static system. The pilot, an ATP rated individual with over 22,000 hours of flight experience, encountered a low altitude alert, a common consequence of such blockages.

As the pilot descended on the ILS, the static pressure started to increase, a sign of potential blockage. The airspeed indicator, affected by the blockage, began to decrease during the approach crossing the ILS FAF (Final Approach Fix). Despite adjusting the power settings, the airspeed remained frozen, adding to the pilot's concern.

In this situation, the pitot tube became completely covered in ice, yet the static ports remained open, trapping the ram pressure in the pitot tube. This resulted in false or frozen airspeed indications, a danger that can mislead the pilot and potentially lead to erroneous stall warnings.

To manage such situations, pilots should follow these safety tips:

1. Engage Pitot Heat: Always activate pitot tube heating before and during flight in icing conditions to prevent ice blockage.

2. Cross-check Instruments: Use the altimeter, vertical speed indicator (VSI), GPS groundspeed, and known power/attitude settings to verify airspeed and flight parameters when airspeed indications seem suspect.

3. Maintain Aircraft Control by Known Settings: Fly by pitch and power settings appropriate for the aircraft type and configuration to maintain safe flight if airspeed indications are unreliable.

4. Perform a Preflight Inspection: Verify pitot tubes and static ports are clear before flight to reduce the risk of blockage.

5. Exercise Caution During Critical Phases: During approach, rely on multiple instruments and if airspeed is doubtful, prioritise safe, stable flight attitude over potentially misleading airspeed figures.

The unfortunate Air France 447 accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of pitot tube icing, where blocked pitot tubes led to loss of valid airspeed and contributed to a fatal stall.

In this particular case, the pilot attempted to activate the iPad map function for position verification, adding to the overall distraction. It's essential for pilots to remain focused and rely on their training and instruments during such emergencies.

For those interested in mastering IFR flying and instrument procedures, Boldmethod offers a comprehensive course to earn an instrument rating. Subscribing to the Boldmethod email provides real-world flying tips and information directly to your inbox, every week.

We invite our readers to share their thoughts on how they would have handled this emergency in the comments section. For more information about Pitot/Static System Blockages, please click the provided link. Stay safe and fly smart!

1. The incident emphasizes the importance of following aviation regulations and adhering to training procedures during emergencies, like an icing condition that clogs the pitot/static system.
2. Proper six-pack instrument use, which includes the airspeed indicator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, and compass, can help pilots cope with such dilemmas, particularly when airspeed readings appear questionable.
3. In aviation finance and the aerospace industry, investment in advanced instrument systems can significantly minimize the risks associated with static system blockages, particularly during flight in icing conditions.
4. Pilots should always cross-reference their instruments, calculating groundspeed from GPS data and using the vertical speed indicator to verify the accuracy of the airspeed indicators during flight.
5. When faced with low airspeed readings due to pitot tube blockage, pilots must prioritize maintaining a stable, controlled flight attitude instead of relying exclusively on potentially inaccurate airspeed figures.
6. In the event of a pitot/static system failure, the transportation sector's focus on innovation in flight training procedures highlights the need to develop contingency plans for managing dangerous situations such as these.
7. Despite the challenges that came with pitot tube blockage, the pilot in this incident demonstrated effective response, employing multiple strategies to maintain control, such as adjusting power settings, engaging pitot heat, and cross-checking instruments.
8. In addition to relying on safety tips and training, continuous learning and staying updated on advanced technologies in the aviation industry can better equip pilots to handle emergencies like those involving pitot tube icing.
9. Flight safety depends on the following: bankrolling investments in cutting-edge instrumentation, adhering to air traffic control (ATC) guidelines, and investing in advanced training and procedures to improve emergency response and minimize risk throughout the aviation industry.

Read also: