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

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.

The ATSB has completed the evidence collection and analysis phases of the investigation and is drafting the final report.

To date, the ATSB investigation has included:

• interviewing the involved engineering staff
• examination of maintenance records and other relevant information
• analysis of evidence collected.

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 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.