Other / Unknown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Ground Event / Encounter FOD
General Maintenance Action
Procedure; Human Factors
Upon arrival the First Officer discovered a tool stuck to the top of the right wing at the wing to fuselage fairing. The tool was there throughout the duration of the flight. The aircraft had come out of maintenance and this tool was not removed prior to flight. The tool was also missed during the preflight inspection.  Despite flight at .77 Mach and a steep descent at 3;500 fpm with speed brakes deployed; the tool remained attached to the wing. Upon discovery; maintenance was notified. The tool was approximately 8 inches long and metallic. It appeared to be a metal pick or pry bar. It could have separated on taxi and damaged another aircraft's tire. Or; it could have been deposited as FOD on the runway with possible dire consequences. The tool could have also been ingested into the number one engine; again with dire consequences. During flight at FL360; the tool could have fallen from the aircraft and killed someone on the ground. Better accountability of tools after maintenance is completed.
EMB-145 Captain is informed his First Officer after post flight inspection; that a tool is stuck to the top of the right wing at the wing to fuselage fairing.