DA40 Diamond Star
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 300; Flight Crew Total 750; Flight Crew Type 725
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
During a test flight; the aircraft in question was being test flown after a major repair. To test the attachment of the wing; a soft field take-off was performed to an immediate landing. On the second take-off the same technique was used; however during the acceleration part of the take-off the airspeed was noted to read zero on both the G1000 airspeed tape; as well as the analog indicator. Since the airplane was airborne and the runway is relatively short; it was questionable whether the airplane can land after having been stabilized in ground effect. The decision was to continue with climb out and come around for a landing using known pitch attitudes and power settings; as the approach strategy; and using the ground-speed from the GPS as a rough reference. No change in airspeed by activating pitot heat. When the alternate air source was opened a drastic change in the altimeter was noticed - 250 feet variation -; but no change in airspeed. Squawk was set to 7700; and Approach was contacted as a standard procedure. The landing was executed and Approach was contacted through a phone number upon request by ATC. The airplane suffered no damage at all. The mechanic re-inspected the airplane; the airspeed indicator was adjusted; the airplane was fast taxied twice and airspeed still did not read at all. The third time; the mechanic readjusted; and airspeed came alive during ground roll. Test flight continued with no other discrepancies noted.
DA40 pilot reported the airspeed indicator failed during a test flight following major work on the aircraft.