What should be done if a missing tool is not found after a thorough search?

Initiating a lost tool report is the appropriate action to take if a missing tool is not found after a thorough search. This process is crucial in maintaining safety and accountability within aviation maintenance practices. A lost tool can pose a serious risk if it becomes lodged in an aircraft or if someone inadvertently works with incomplete equipment, potentially leading to mechanical failures or accidents.

By filing a lost tool report, the maintenance team can document the incident, assess the potential impact, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This step also ensures that there is an official record maintained for audit and regulatory compliance, which is vital in the aviation industry.

Stopping all maintenance work or notifying the aircraft pilot may be necessary depending on the situation, but those actions do not address the organization's need to formally acknowledge and track the missing tool. Ordering new tools can be a subsequent step but should occur after proper protocol has been followed with regards to the lost tool report.