India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is facing urgent calls from the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) to launch a thorough investigation into the electrical systems of all Boeing 787 aircraft operating in the country.
This critical demand comes just a day after an alarming incident involving an Air India Boeing 787. The aircraft, on its route from Amritsar to Birmingham, experienced an automatic deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) during its approach to the UK city. Fortunately, the flight landed safely without further complications.
In a formal letter addressed to the DGCA, FIP President G.S. Randhawa highlighted that the aircraft’s Health Monitoring (AHM) system identified a fault within the Bus Power Control Unit (BPCU). This malfunction is believed to have triggered the automatic deployment of the RAT, which is typically reserved for emergency situations like dual engine failure or complete electronic/hydraulic system shutdowns.
Representing over 5,000 experienced cockpit crew members, the FIP underscored the gravity of the situation. They noted, “The incident occurred when the Ram Air Turbine deployed automatically at 500 ft on approach into Birmingham… the Aircraft Health Monitoring has picked up a fault of the Bus Power Control Unit which may have caused the auto deployment of RAT.” The FIP further clarified that the BPCU is vital for managing the aircraft’s electrical power, while the RAT acts as a crucial emergency power source.
Drawing a chilling parallel, the FIP also referenced the devastating crash of Air India flight AI 171 in June, which tragically claimed 260 lives. The ongoing investigation into that disaster is considering various potential causes, including engine malfunctions, hydraulic or electrical failures, and even software anomalies.
“There have been numerous incidents on B-787 aircraft. We have strongly taken up with the Civil Aviation Ministry and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to thoroughly check the electrical system of all B-787 aircraft in the country,” the letter sternly stated.
The FIP pointed out that after the AI 171 crash, the DGCA’s inspections were limited to only the fuel control switches across Air India’s 787 fleet. A preliminary report from the AAIB suggested that the engine fuel control switches on flight AI 171 were cut off mere seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad. This detail was made even more disturbing by one pilot questioning the action and the other denying responsibility.
The letter concluded with a powerful plea: “It is pertinent to note that the incident in Birmingham is another pointer towards the Air India crash of B-787 aircraft. Thus, in the interest of air safety, FIP insists that DGCA must thoroughly check and investigate the electrical system of B-787 aircraft in the country.”
As of now, U.S. manufacturer Boeing has not issued any public comments regarding the June crash, which remains one of India’s deadliest aviation tragedies in the last three decades.