Fresh safety scare for Air India: DGCA probes Boeing 787 after uncommanded RAT deployment on Amritsar-Birmingham flight
PTC Web Desk: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a detailed investigation into an uncommanded mid-air deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) on an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham. The incident occurred on October 4 during the aircraft’s final approach to Birmingham. Despite the technical glitch, the plane landed safely, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
The RAT system is a small fan-like turbine designed to automatically deploy only in emergency situations, typically when both engines or electrical systems fail, to generate power from the incoming airflow. However, in this case, the turbine deployed without any power loss, raising serious safety concerns about the aircraft’s electrical systems.
Air India confirmed the incident, stating, “The operating crew of flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham detected the deployment of RAT during the final approach. All electrical and hydraulic parameters remained normal, and the aircraft performed a safe landing. The aircraft has been grounded for further inspection. Consequently, the return flight AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi was cancelled, and alternative arrangements are being made for passengers. At Air India, the safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority.”
The Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANO, remains grounded in Birmingham while maintenance and safety checks are being conducted.
Federation of Indian pilots raises alarm
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), representing over 5,500 pilots across airlines, has termed the malfunction “deeply alarming” and called for a comprehensive nationwide inspection of all Boeing 787 Dreamliners operating under Indian carriers.
In a letter to the DGCA, the FIP stated that the RAT deployed automatically at approximately 500 feet during approach, and the Aircraft Health Monitoring system detected a fault in the Bus Power Control Unit (BPCU), which could have triggered the malfunction. The pilots’ body expressed concern that this may indicate a deeper systemic electrical fault.
The FIP further criticised the DGCA’s earlier post-crash inspections as “superficial” and said this latest event must serve as “a wake-up call” for the aviation regulator.
Second Dreamliner incident since June crash
This incident comes just over four months after the deadly Air India Dreamliner crash on June 12, when flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after take-off, killing all 260 persons on board. Preliminary findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) suggested that both engines of the aircraft shut down seconds after lift-off.
The recent mid-air RAT deployment in another Boeing 787-8 has reignited concerns about potential systemic faults in the Dreamliner’s electrical and power control systems. Aviation experts believe that the DGCA’s investigation will likely focus on whether the latest malfunction is linked to the same technical issues suspected in the June crash.
- With inputs from agencies
