An Air India flight en route from Amritsar to Birmingham on Saturday faced a concerning mid-air incident as its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed unexpectedly during the landing phase. The aircraft, a Boeing 787, experienced this unusual event, which brought back unsettling memories of a past Air India crash. Following the incident, the pilots’ union has emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive inspection of the aircraft’s electrical systems.
What is a Ram Air Turbine (RAT)?
The RAT, or Ram Air Turbine, is a small, propeller-like device crucial for aircraft safety. It is engineered to automatically deploy only in dire emergencies, such as a dual engine failure or a complete loss of power. The unexpected deployment of the RAT is a rare occurrence and often indicates a technical malfunction.
Notably, the RAT was also deployed during the tragic crash on June 12, involving another Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. That aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad while en route to London Gatwick, resulting in the loss of 241 lives out of 242 people on board.
The RAT functions by harnessing power from the airstream, dependent on the aircraft’s speed. It is connected to either an electrical generator or a hydraulic pump to supply power to essential flight systems. These systems can include flight controls, critical instrumentation, navigation, and communication equipment. Some RATs are designed to provide only hydraulic power, while others also power an electrical generator.
The Incident Details
Officials reported that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham on October 4, experienced the RAT’s deployment just minutes before landing. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANO, had all its electrical and hydraulic parameters functioning normally, according to Air India’s statement. The flight, however, landed safely in Birmingham.
Following the incident, the aircraft was grounded for a thorough inspection, leading to the cancellation of its return flight from Birmingham to Delhi. Air India has stated that alternative arrangements are being made for the affected passengers.
This recent event has reignited concerns regarding the reliability of the Boeing 787 fleet, which has been under intense scrutiny since the June 12 crash. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has yet to issue a public statement regarding this latest incident.
In response to the Air India flight scare, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has formally requested the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct detailed inspections of the electrical systems across all B787 aircraft operating in India. The FIP highlighted that this incident is another indicator reinforcing their long-standing calls for a thorough examination of the B787 fleet’s electrical systems, particularly after the previous Air India crash.
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