Airbus A380 aircraft to be inspected after cracks found in wings, European Union Aviation Safety Agency says
A shocking discovery has triggered urgent inspections on some of the world’s largest passenger planes, including one linked to Qantas.
A Qantas plane is among 16 that will undergo inspections after cracks were found in the wings of A380s.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has grounded a group of Airbus planes to perform urgent inspections.
It comes after cracks were detected on planes in the wings’ structural beam, which carries much of the aerodynamic load during flights.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Of the 16 to be inspected, one is operated by Qantas and 15 by Emirates.
Airlines will need to have engineers inspect the inside of the wings, which can be accessed by engineers entering the fuel tank.
“It has been determined that the cracks found on certain aeroplanes could reduce the structural integrity of the wing,” EASA wrote, as published by the Sydney Morning Herald.
“To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus determined that an additional special detailed inspection has to be accomplished.”
Of the 16 planes impacted, five have been requested to urgently perform inspections, while others need to check the wings “within 25 flight cycles”.
A380s are the world’s biggest planes and can carry more than 850 passengers with an 80 metre wingspan and measuring more than 70 metres in length.
It is understood that the impacted Qantas plane has been in Dresden, Germany, since it flew from London on March 8.
A Qantas spokesperson told the SMH that the would be “no impact to Qantas flights”.
“The aircraft was already in scheduled maintenance and we will comply with any additional requirements as a result of this airworthiness directive,” they said.
Other airlines using A380s include Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, ANA and Asiana Airlines.
