My nasty insect story happened in Nairobi, in the early '80s........
We were on a long trip which included 48 hours off in the Kenyan capital. On the day of departure we arrived at the aircraft and started our preparation. The G/E got out the long ladder and proceeded to remove the intake blanks.
A few moments later he came running up to the Flt Deck saying that the No 3 intake was full of 'jaspers'.
It turned out that 'jaspers' is a West Country word for bees and wasps.
I had a look (from a safe distance) and there was, what appeared to be, a very large swarm of bees deep in the intake. We talked to Nairobi Ops and asked for a Pest Control Team but, you've guessed it, there wasn't one.
The Fire Section were unwilling to hose them out (water shortage apparently) so we were left with very few options.
We decided to start the engine and blow them out. This worked perfectly and, apart from the odd 'jasper' flying around looking dazed, the intake was clear. We continued with our checks, started the remaining engines, and taxied out.
However, when we went from Low Speed Ground Idle (LSGI) to Normal Ground Idle (NGI) it was obvious the No 3 was not happy. High TIT and low torque indications which were confirmed by adding a bit of power. We returned to the terminal and shut down.
The G/E dropped the compressor stage bleed valves (I can't remember the stages - was it 6th and 10th?) to inspect the compressor blades. The blades were covered with what looked like golden, rock hard, toffee.
A close inspection of the intake showed faint evidence of a honeycomb. It turned out that it wasn't just a swarm of bees........they had had time to build a substantial comb and the honey was now caked on our compressor blades.
What was needed was a compressor wash and, of course, there was no equipment to be had locally. So, the next day, a Cpl Engine Fitter from 'B' Line arrived on the overnight BA flight from LHR.......complete with an engine intake hopper and 2 large bags of crushed walnuts!
The wash and associated servicing schedules were carried out and we were on our way. Because we were on a 'special task' the Cpl Engine Fitter couldn't come with us, so we told him about the party room in the hotel and wished him luck.
He stayed a couple of days before taking a BA flight back. In that time he met a lovely BA stewardess and, in the fullness of time, they married and had a couple of kids.
As they say........It's an ill swarm that blows nobody any good
