Foreign Object Debris

Foreign Object Debris (FOD) — also called Foreign Object Damage when referring to the resulting harm — is any object found in an inappropriate location on an airport's movement area that could potentially damage aircraft or injure personnel. FOD includes loose hardware (bolts, nuts, rivets), pieces of pavement, tools, baggage fragments, wildlife, ice, and any other debris.

FOD damage is a significant safety and economic concern. A small piece of debris on a runway can be ingested by an engine, causing catastrophic failure, or puncture a tire during takeoff or landing. The most infamous FOD incident was the Air France Concorde crash in 2000, caused by a metal strip on the runway that punctured a tire, sending debris into a fuel tank.

Airports conduct regular FOD inspections (runway sweeps) and use specialized FOD detection systems including camera-based surveillance, radar, and automated alert systems. Airlines and ground handlers have FOD prevention programs that include designated tool accountability, clean-as-you-go policies, and FOD walks.