Tool found in engine of Qantas A380 two months after the item was reported missing
An investigation has been launched into how a Qantas A380 flew for two months with a forgotten tool in an engine.
An investigation has been launched into the discovery of a small tool behind the fan blades of a Qantas A380 at Los Angeles Airport, more than two months after the item was reported missing.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating what it called a “foreign object debris” event, involving an A380 with the registration VH-OQI.
According to the ATSB’s investigation brief, a tool was found behind the fan blades of the number one engine during a maintenance inspection on February 2, 2024.
“The tool was confirmed to be a compressor turning tool which had been identified as missing since December 6, 2023,” the ATSB said.
Flight records show VH-OQI conducted almost daily flights in the period from December 6 to February 2, apparently without incident.
A statement from Qantas said they were taking the matter “extremely seriously”.
“When we found the tool we reported it to the ATSB, and will work with the ATSB while they investigate,” Qantas said.
“The tool is a piece of flexible plastic. It did not have any effect on the engine’s operation.”
The ATSB noted that in the event a critical safety issue was identified in the course of the investigation, the relevant parties would be immediately notified so appropriate safety action could be taken.
In October 2020, a screwdriver tip was found in the right engine of a Jetstar A320 after an aborted takeoff at Brisbane Airport, when the pilots experienced problems and passengers spotted flames.
The ATSB investigation discovered the screwdriver tip in the combustion section of the engine, where it had caused dents and nicks in numerous rotor blades and stator vanes.
It turned out the item had been in the engine for over 100 flights, following maintenance on the aircraft.
In response the ATSB said tool control was an important part of the maintenance processes, and Jetstar issued a safety alert to engineers highlighting the need for “all tooling to be accounted for”.
The ATSB is expected to deliver its report on the Qantas A380 foreign object debris event by the end of the year.
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