Air India Boeing 787 faces mid-air Ram Air Turbine deployment on Amritsar–Birmingham flight, lands safely
An Air India Boeing 787 traveling from Amritsar to Birmingham reported an unexpected Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployment during landing on Saturday, causing a significant mid-air tension. However, the airline said that the plane had landed safely.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) October 5: On October 4, an Air India aircraft between Amritsar and Birmingham experienced a mid-air technical problem with the Ram Air Turbine (RAT). It is the airline's emergency turbine system, during its final approach. Despite the unexpected activation, the aircraft made a safe landing at Birmingham Airport. It was flying as flight AI117.
Air India’s Official Statement
An Air India official emphasised in a formal statement that passenger safety was maintained during the incident. The representative also stated that the aircraft's grounding is a routine safety precaution. Air India is giving top priority to a thorough technical examination. This is in order to avoid future incidents of this kind.
Air India said, “The operating crew of flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham on October 4 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. The aircraft has been grounded for further checks and consequently, AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi has been cancelled, and alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate the guests. At Air India, the safety of passengers and crew remains top priority” in a statement.
Ram Air Turbine System
Air India claims that the RAT is a vital safety feature. It is intended to provide emergency power to aircraft systems in the case of twin engine failure or loss of primary power. It was deployed with detection by the operating crew of flight AI117.
In this case, however, there was no potential system breakdown. It was because all hydraulic and electrical parameters were operating normally. The crew managed to keep control during the descent. They made a safe and easy landing in spite of the warning.
Aircraft Grounded for Checks
The aircraft was quickly grounded for a comprehensive examination and maintenance inspections after landing. The engineering teams are figuring out what caused the turbine to deploy. They are making sure all flight systems follow the safety rules.
Air India's return flight, AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi, was canceled due to the aircraft's grounding. The airline has promised that impacted passengers will be accommodated on other flights. Alternate travel arrangements are being prepared.
Pilot Body Urges DGCA Action
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has written to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It is the nation's aviation authority. FIP are requesting that they carry out thorough inspections of the B787's electrical system in India after the incident.
