An Air India flight traveling from Amritsar to Birmingham faced a significant mid-air scare on Saturday. The aircraft, a Boeing 787, experienced an unexpected deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) just before landing. This incident has brought back unsettling memories of a previous Air India crash where the RAT was also deployed, prompting aviation authorities and the pilots’ union to call for a thorough inspection of the aircraft’s electrical systems.
Understanding the Ram Air Turbine (RAT)
The Ram Air Turbine, or RAT, is a crucial safety feature on aircraft. It’s a small, propeller-like device designed to automatically deploy during severe emergencies, such as a dual engine failure or a complete loss of power. Its deployment is uncommon and typically indicates a technical issue.
The RAT functions by generating power from the aircraft’s speed, channeling it to vital systems like flight controls, critical instruments, navigation, and communication equipment. Some RAT systems provide hydraulic power, while others also generate electrical power.
Historically, the RAT was noted in the tragic June 12 Air India crash involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. In that incident, the RAT deployed shortly after takeoff, contributing to the aircraft’s subsequent crash, which resulted in the loss of 241 lives.
The Incident Unfolds
During its final approach to Birmingham Airport on Saturday, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner unexpectedly deployed its RAT moments before landing. Aviation authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), are currently investigating the incident involving flight AI117, registered as VT-ANO.
Air India confirmed the event in a statement, noting, “The operating crew of flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham on 4 October 2025 detected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) of the aircraft during its final approach. All electrical and hydraulic parameters were found normal, and the aircraft performed a safe landing at Birmingham.”
Following the landing, the aircraft was taken out of service for inspection, leading to the cancellation of its return flight to Delhi. Air India stated that alternative arrangements were being made for the affected passengers.
This incident has reignited concerns regarding the reliability of the Boeing 787 fleet, especially in light of the previous crash. Boeing has not yet issued a public statement regarding this specific incident.
In response, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the DGCA to conduct comprehensive checks on the electrical systems of all B787 aircraft operating in India. The FIP highlighted that this recent event is another indicator suggesting potential issues with the B787 fleet’s electrical systems, emphasizing the critical need for thorough investigation to ensure air safety.