Pilotcenter.net News has recently released a detailed report on a peculiar incident involving a Qantas Airbus A380 that flew for nearly 300 hours and 34 flights with an unexpected item lodged in one of its engines. The Australian Transport Safety Board (ATSB) has put forth recommendations for the airline to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The incident took place on December 6, 2023, when a Qantas Airbus A380-842 landed at Los Angeles International Airport after a routine flight from Sydney. Subsequent maintenance checks conducted by the airline’s engineers revealed a surprising discovery - a 1.25m-long tool wedged in one of the aircraft's engines. This tool, typically used for engine compressor inspections, had gone unnoticed during multiple checks and pre-flight inspections.

Despite being lodged in the engine for an extended period, the tool miraculously did not cause any damage to the engine components. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell highlighted that the maintenance procedures and tool control mechanisms were not efficiently followed, leading to the oversight.

In response to the incident, Qantas implemented new safety measures and emphasized the importance of adhering to proper tool control protocols. The airline assured that the incident did not impact the engine's functionality and emphasized the significance of strictly following lost tool procedures.

Foreign object debris poses a significant risk to aviation safety, and the ATSB report emphasized the necessity of stringent regulations, procedures, and training to prevent such incidents. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role of meticulous maintenance practices in ensuring safe and smooth aircraft operations.