Thread: How on earth could that happen?

Something I discovered recently would have to be very high up on my list of things that I would have thought impossible.

Recently when I was doing the usual under-the-bonnet checks, I noticed a small twig about 4mm thick and about 20mm long protruding from the concertina hose leading to the air filter.

On closer inspection, found that I could only see half the twig. The twig had pierced the hose and half of it was inside.

No-one else has been under the bonnet , so it wasn't some practical joke and I have never driven around without the bonnet.

I really don't understand how a 4mm thick, 40mm long twig could pierce the top of the hose between the snorkel and the air filter. I could almost believe that a twig could come up from below and puncture the hose, but this was on top.

Sorry, no photographic evidence of this is available. I didn't think to take a photo until after I had removed and discarded the twig.

There will likely be a smart mark under the bonnet where it deflected off...

Either from Fan/Belts or the ground/tyre