Emergency turbine deployed as Air India flight makes emergency landing in UK
According to Air India, the aircraft landed safely and all electrical and hydraulic systems were functioning normally. The Ram Air Turbine is a small, fan-like device that automatically activates to generate emergency power if an aircraft loses engine power.
PTC News Desk: An Air India Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 flying from Amritsar to Birmingham was grounded in the UK after its emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT) unexpectedly deployed during descent on Saturday. The incident took place on flight AI117 as it was preparing to land in Birmingham.
According to Air India, the aircraft landed safely and all electrical and hydraulic systems were functioning normally. The Ram Air Turbine is a small, fan-like device that automatically activates to generate emergency power if an aircraft loses engine power.
Notably. the same aircraft model — the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner — was also involved in the Ahmedabad crash earlier this year in June, where the RAT had similarly deployed. A preliminary investigation into that incident found that a fuel supply cutoff caused both engines to shut down, activating the emergency system.
According to Air India, “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.”
The airline confirmed that all electrical and hydraulic systems were functioning normally upon landing. However, as per standard operating procedures, the aircraft has been grounded for detailed inspection.