That time a bird's nest in a Cessna's wheel well taught me to always check the covers

I was doing a pre-flight on a 172 in Spokane last spring, and the pilot said the brakes felt soft. I pulled the wheel fairing off and a full robin's nest, eggs and all, fell right into my tool bag. The bird had gotten in because someone left the gear leg covers off overnight. Now I double-check every single cover is on before I lock up, even if I'm just stepping away for lunch. Anyone else find weird stuff in places it shouldn't be?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_sean5d ago

Totally get that feeling of finding something unexpected. I once pulled a panel and a whole family of mice had made a home out of shredded insulation. It makes you realize how fast nature moves in when we leave an opening. Now I treat every cover or cap like it's the front door to my own house, you just can't leave it unlocked. It's crazy how a simple forgotten piece can turn into a major problem so fast.

michaels955d ago

My attic is basically a wildlife timeshare.

linda3055d ago

My garage had a squirrel nest in the wall for months.