SYDNEY- Australian aviation investigators have launched a safety investigation after a tool was found inside the left wing of a Qantas Airbus A380 following long-haul flights between Australia and the United States.
The aircraft operated by Qantas (QF) flew between Sydney Airport (SYD) and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) before the foreign object was discovered during post flight checks.
Qantas A380 Flew with Tool Inside Wing
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed that the tool was located after the Airbus A380 returned to Sydney from Dallas. The aircraft, registered VH-OQK, had completed two flight sectors before the issue was identified.
According to the ATSB, the investigation will focus on how the tool remained inside the aircraft structure and whether maintenance procedures were properly followed. Investigators will interview involved personnel, review maintenance documentation, and gather all relevant operational data.
The ATSB stated that a final report will be published once the investigation concludes. If any critical safety risk is identified during the process, the bureau will notify relevant parties immediately to allow corrective action.
The Airbus A380 involved is 14 years old and has been part of the Qantas fleet since 2011. Between February and December 2024, the aircraft was placed in storage at Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi before returning to active service.
Aircraft returning from long-term storage typically undergo extensive maintenance inspections, increasing the importance of strict tool control and verification procedures.
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Similar Incident
This is not the first foreign object investigation involving a Qantas Airbus A380. On February 2, 2024, a compressor turning tool was found behind the fan blades of the number one engine on another Qantas A380 during maintenance at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
ATSB investigators later confirmed that the tool had been reported missing in December 2023. The incident raised concerns around maintenance tracking and tool accountability across multiple international locations.
Safety Oversight and Industry Implications
Foreign object debris within aircraft structures poses potential safety risks, particularly on long-haul operations involving large widebody aircraft. The ATSB investigation will contribute to broader oversight of maintenance practices and tool control systems within airline operations.
Findings from the inquiry may lead to procedural changes or safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
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