Library Reference Number: 131
Wot! No Airspeed!
Our crew was on stand down and, dressed in our best blue, we were about to head to London for a spot of relaxation when the tannoy announcement came through, telling us to report to the Flights immediately. Seemingly, our aircraft, which had been borrowed for an operation the previous night by a new crew on their first trip had returned safe and sound, but when the armourers had opened the bomb bay all the bombs were still in place.
We were detailed to do a combined air test and practice bombing run to ascertain where the problem lay, and to check that all was in order we were to be accompanied by the Engineering Officer and the Bombing Leader. In addition, four A.T.C. cadets were to be given the opportunity to experience a flight in a Lancaster. So, we hastened to the aircraft, climbed aboard and prepared for take-off. Our Bomb Aimer offered to map read to the practice bombing site so, with nothing else to do, I sat in my usual position at the navigation table, twiddled my thumbs, and was kept amused by the antics of our Wireless Operator instructing the A.T.C. cadets in the mystery of his equipment.
Once in the air, and as we headed for the practice bombing area, I checked my own navigation equipment and as I glanced at the airspeed indicator I noted that it gave no reading whatsoever. Switching to the secure link, which enabled me to speak to the pilot without the other members of the crew hearing our conversation; I asked what airspeed he had. There was a moment's silence, then a mighty oath as he confirmed that his ASI was also registering zero.
I touched the arm of the Flight Engineer, who was close at hand, and pointed to my instrument, still showing nothing. He looked puzzled, turned his head to look at the pilot's instruments, and then glanced outside; there was the answer - the pitot head cover had not been removed. Oh well, carry on with the air and bombing tests and hope for the best when we came back to land.
On completion of the tests, all of which proved to be satisfactory, we headed back to base having surreptitiously alerted the Bomb Aimer and Wireless Operator to the problem. The pilot had thought it best to say nothing to the Engineering Officer and Bombing Leader. As we approached the airfield the Wireless Operator had the wit to tell the A.T.C. cadets that he would show them how to take up crash position in the event of ditching; meanwhile the Engineering Officer was standing and observing the surroundings from the astrodome.
The pilot brought the aircraft down to land, nurtured it on to the runway, the wheels touched down and we bounced some fifteen feet, then settled on the runway. The Engineering Officer had ended up on his backside on the floor and when he regained his composure made uncomplimentary remarks about our pilot's skill - remarks he withdrew when the circumstances were explained to him. The Bombing Leader made no comment, while the cadets thought it had been "good fun."
Our visit to London was now out of the question, so we repaired to the mess and had a few jars to celebrate another experience. On reflection it had been a bit scarier than some of our operational trips.