Wasps were named as a new threat to air safety

Created on 09.12.2020 13:48

Solitary wasps Pachodynerus nasidens, imported to Australia from Latin America, began to proactively creating nests in air pressure holding centers. Scientists argue that this could lead to disasters, Tengritravel.kz writes.

These wasps are clogging the Pitot tubes, which are part of the sensors, assisting pilots to determine the speed of take-off or landing that might lead to terrible consequences. Until now, there was no direct evidence that these wasps and their nests in the tubes are the cause of such troubles. Therefore, scientists conducted an experiment, during which experts have identified 93 cases of completed Pitot tubes blockage by nests belonging exclusively to wasps Pachodynerus nasidens.

The authors of the study encourage authorities to develop measures in controlling the population or its complete eradication. To protect aircrafts, they recommend installing the insect traps at airports and close the tubes after landing. It should be noted, for the first time such a problem arose in 2013 when the A330 aircraft of Etihad Airways, travelling to Singapore, was forced to turn back and land in a couple of minutes. Once on the ground, workers figured out the Pitot tube was completely blocked by mud.

3083 views