Safety issue
| Safety issue description |
The operator's maintenance information system did not have an automated way to identify to the certifier, prior to issuing the certificate of release to service, that tools used on the aircraft were unreturned or that the unreturned tool report had not been actioned. |
|---|---|
| Issue number | AO-2026-004-SI-01 |
| Issue owner | Qantas Airways Limited |
| Transport function | Aircraft Maintenance |
| Issue status | Open – Safety action pending |
| Date issue released | 17/08/2026 |
| Issue status justification |
The ATSB welcomes the action taken by Qantas but notes that it may still permit an aircraft to be released to service without an unreturned tool check being completed. However, it also acknowledges the ongoing work Qantas is doing in this area and is satisfied that when this project is complete it will adequately address the safety issue. |
Safety action
| Action type | Proactive action |
|---|---|
| Action number | AO-2026-004-PSA-01 |
| Organisation | Qantas Airways Limited |
| Action description |
Following the occurrence, Qantas released a safety directive on 18 February 2026 to address changes to its tooling control processes and procedures. Most notably, the safety directive required that prior to issuing a CRS, certifiers were to complete a ‘pre CRS tooling check’ task within the maintenance information system, Maintenix (MXI). This requires the unreturned tool report to be generated, reviewed and attached to the task within MXI. Importantly, this means that a CRS cannot be issued until the tooling check is complete in MXI. Qantas also advised the ATSB that it has formed a tooling working group to work on various initiatives, including new technologies, to improve tool control across its various maintenance locations. This group is due to make recommendations in the next 2–3 months and Qantas will continue to keep the ATSB updated on progress. |
| Action status | Monitor |