Date: 201810
Local time of day: 0001-0600
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Aircraft: EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Initial Approach
Airspace: Class C ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Tower ZZZ
Aircraft component: Angle of Attack Vane
Component problem: Improperly Operated
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; First Officer
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Human factors: Other / Unknown
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Detector: Automation Aircraft Other Automation; Person Flight Crew; Person Maintenance
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Contributing factors: Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: We encountered a warning message upon final approach into ZZZ. The warning message was a SPS 1 INOP; also known as Stall Protection Inoperative. Because we were inside the final approach fix for the airport; we made the decision to land. Upon landing; we requested that the maintenance crew inspect the aircraft to determine the cause of the warning. They discovered that there was a piece of speed tape on the captain's AOA sensor which was prohibiting the free movement of the sensor resulting in the SPS 1 INOP warning message. It was determined that the tape was placed on the AOA sensor by a mechanic performing a CAT 2 instrument approach test on the ground. Upon further investigation; it was revealed that tape is not normally used when performing a CAT 2 test. The mechanic used the tape because the weather conditions at ZZZ airport prevented him from doing the test properly. Because the test was performed inappropriately by using the tape; the mechanic failed to remove the tape after completing the procedure.There were several factors which contributed to the tape not being discovered during preflight inspection at ZZZ. The weather conditions and visibility at ZZZ made it very difficult to inspect the aircraft properly. While holding a flashlight and an umbrella; looking up at the aircraft; the jet bridge cover was also blocking my direct sight of the sensor.  Furthermore; since tape is normally not used during a CAT 2 test; and my limited view because the weather and jet bridge cover; it was not apparent that something was obstructing the sensor's operation.A piece of speed tape that was placed during a non-routine maintenance procedure on the AOA sensor caused the SPS 1 INOP warning message to be displayed. During preflight; the tape on the sensor was missed due to several factors including weather conditions and direct view being obstructed by the jet bridge cover. In the future; we will ensure all items are thoroughly inspected during preflight in accordance with the approved checklists. If weather conditions or situations are not favorable; we will find an alternate method to ensure all checklist items are properly noted and complete.




Synopsis: EMB-145 First Officer reported a warning message during flight concerning the AOA indicator resulted from incorrect maintenance and preflight procedures.