Qantas Plane Flies 300 Hours with Loose Tool Inside Engine

Introduction

A shocking revelation has emerged in the aviation industry as an investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) uncovered that a Qantas plane operated nearly 300 hours with a loose tool inside one of its engines. This incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols and maintenance practices in the airline industry.

The Discovery

The Airbus A380-842 flew multiple flights totaling 294 hours with a 1.25m-long nylon tool stuck in the outboard left engine. The tool had been left inside the engine following scheduled maintenance in Los Angeles on December 6, 2023. It was only discovered wedged against the low-pressure outlet guide vanes on January 1 of the following year.

Maintenance Oversight

Despite undergoing 34 flights over a 26-day period with the tool lodged in the engine, maintenance engineers failed to notice its presence during routine inspections. The tool remained undetected even during foreign object inspections at the end of the maintenance period.

Impact and Resolution

Fortunately, the tool did not cause any damage to the engine despite being deformed. However, the incident highlighted significant lapses in maintenance procedures and oversight. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell emphasized the importance of proper tool control to prevent such incidents in the future.

Industry Response

Following the investigation, Qantas implemented new requirements for tool control and conducted internal briefings to educate engineering staff on the importance of accountability for all tools after maintenance tasks. Mitchell stressed the need for strict adherence to regulations, procedures, and training to mitigate the risk of foreign object damage in aircraft engines.

Conclusion

The Qantas plane incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role of maintenance protocols in ensuring aviation safety. It underscores the need for continuous vigilance and adherence to established procedures to prevent potentially catastrophic events. As the aviation industry evolves, prioritizing safety and compliance with regulations must remain paramount.

FAQ

• What was the length of the tool found inside the Qantas plane engine?
  The tool was 1.25m-long and made of nylon.
• How many flights did the Qantas plane undertake with the tool inside the engine?
  The plane flew 34 times over a 26-day period with the tool stuck in the engine.
• Did the loose tool cause any damage to the engine?
  No, the tool did not result in any damage to the engine despite being deformed.