Incident to the Airbus A380 registered A6-EOM operated by Emirates on 18/08/2023 near Nice

On changing to configuration 1 with a view to landing, when the airflow around the leading edge slats was modified, the pilots perceived a muffled noise followed by slight vibrations. They continued the approach and landed without any further incident. 

On the ground, an inspection revealed significant damage to the metal composite structure of the trailing edge of slat No 2 on the RH wing. 

The investigation established that this damage was not the consequence of a mid-air collision. It was also established that there were pre-existing bonding defects between the upper and lower skin and the honeycomb core. They may have weakened the structure.