EASA issues warning for Airbus instrument

BERLIN — The European Aviation Safety Agency has issued a safety warning for an instrument to measure air speed that is used on Airbus A330 and A340 jets.

The directive in effect from Wednesday says malfunctions have been reported in the instruments, known as pitot probes.

The Cologne-based agency says the problem may originate with manufacturer Goodrich and could cause an in-flight air leak that would cause incorrect pressure and airspeed readings. Goodrich is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The agency is calling on operators to test the devices.

Experts have suggested that pitot tubes may have contributed to the June crash of an Air France flight, killing 228 people.