Summary
The ATSB is investigating an occurrence where a tool was located inside the left wing of a Qantas Airbus A380, registered VH-OQK, on 9 January 2026. The aircraft had flown 2 sectors prior to the tool being located.
In the course of the investigation, the ATSB has identified potential limitations in risk controls relevant to the occurrence. Examination of these factors represent an increase in the scope of this investigation, and it has been upgraded from Short to Defined as a result (the ATSB's different levels of investigation are detailed here).
The final report has been drafted and is undergoing internal review to ensure the report adequately and accurately reflects the evidence collected, analysis, and agreed findings.
The final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.
Last updated:
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2026-004 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 09/01/2026 |
| Occurrence time and timezone | 15:00 Australian Eastern Daylight Time |
| Location | Sydney Airport |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report status | Pending |
| Anticipated completion | Q2 2026 |
| Investigation level | Defined |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation phase | Final report: Internal review |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Foreign object damage / debris |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
|---|---|
| Model | A380-842 |
| Registration | VH-OQK |
| Serial number | 0063 |
| Aircraft operator | Qantas Airways Limited |
| Sector | Jet |
| Operation type | Part 121 Air transport operations - larger aeroplanes |
| Activity | Commercial air transport-Scheduled-International |
| Departure point | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, United States of America |
| Destination | Sydney Airport, New South Wales |
| Injuries | None |
| Damage | Nil |