Foreign object debris involving Airbus A380, VH-OQK, Sydney Airport, New South Wales, on 9 January 2026

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 draft report internal review process has been completed. The draft report has been distributed to directly involved parties (DIPs) to check factual accuracy and ensure natural justice. Any submissions from those parties will be reviewed and, where considered appropriate, the draft report will be amended accordingly.

Following the external review process, any submissions and amendments to the draft report are internally reviewed. Once approved, the final report is prepared for publication and dissemination and released to DIPs prior to its public release.

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.