EMB145 captain experiences false decaying airspeed at FL370 in IMC. An emergency is declared and fli...

Narrative:

Flying in cruise flight at FL370 first officer noticed the airspeed decreasing. Tried to correct airspeed loss and airspeed continued to decrease. No EICAS messages were displayed. Declared an emergency and descended to exit weather conditions using erroneous airspeed indications emergency procedures. Broke into the clear at FL240 and the airspeed started to recover to correct information. Decided to divert. High and fast on a steep approach I executed a go-around. Landed with out any other events. Received an EICAS message of E2-1 no disp after landing. Taxied to gate without any other incidents.after mechanics inspected the aircraft they found air data computer 1-2 pitot tubes bent beyond tolerance. I am assuming that water built up in the restricted tubes and could not drain quick enough while in precipitation causing the erroneous airspeed indications.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: EMB145 Captain experiences false decaying airspeed at FL370 in IMC. An emergency is declared and flight descends out of IMC using erroneous airspeed indications procedures. Once clear of IMC airspeed indications gradually recover but crew elects to divert to the nearest suitable airport.

Narrative: Flying in cruise flight at FL370 First Officer noticed the airspeed decreasing. Tried to correct airspeed loss and airspeed continued to decrease. No EICAS messages were displayed. Declared an emergency and descended to exit weather conditions using erroneous airspeed indications emergency procedures. Broke into the clear at FL240 and the airspeed started to recover to correct information. Decided to divert. High and fast on a steep approach I executed a go-around. Landed with out any other events. Received an EICAS message of E2-1 NO DISP after landing. Taxied to gate without any other incidents.After mechanics inspected the aircraft they found Air Data Computer 1-2 Pitot tubes bent beyond tolerance. I am assuming that water built up in the restricted tubes and could not drain quick enough while in precipitation causing the erroneous airspeed indications.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	957529
Time
Date	201107
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.ARTCC
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	IMC
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	EMB ERJ 145 ER&LR
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Cruise
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Pitot-Static System
Person 1
Function	Captain Pilot Not Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence

EMB145 captain experiences false decaying airspeed at FL370 in IMC. An emergency is declared and flight descends out of IMC using erroneous airspeed indications procedures. Once clear of IMC airspeed indications gradually recover but crew elects to divert to the nearest suitable airport.