Air India Boeing 787 Emergency System Malfunctions During Flight

"RAT Activation During Normal Flight? Extremely Unusual"
Indian Aviation Authority Investigates, Requests Data from Boeing

Following the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 passenger jet in June, which resulted in 260 fatalities, a recent incident involving the same aircraft model from the same airline has prompted an investigation by Indian aviation authorities due to abnormal operation of the emergency power system.

According to Bloomberg News on October 7 (local time), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India is currently investigating the circumstances under which the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency power device, was suddenly deployed on an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It has been reported that the DGCA has requested related data from Boeing.

The aircraft in question was Air India flight AI117, which departed from Amritsar, Punjab, India, for Birmingham, United Kingdom, on October 4. The RAT was activated as the plane was approaching Birmingham Airport. The RAT is a small propeller that automatically operates to supply power when an aircraft’s engine output drops or when there is an abnormality in the electrical or hydraulic systems.

After inspection, Air India stated that "all electrical and hydraulic systems were confirmed to be normal, and the aircraft landed safely at its destination." The airline also added that the aircraft temporarily suspended operations for a safety check but has since resumed service.

However, the Indian Pilots Association (IPA) asserted that "it is extremely unusual and a serious issue for the RAT to be activated during normal flight," and called for a comprehensive safety inspection of all Boeing 787 aircraft in India. Charanbir Randhawa, president of the IPA, emphasized, "I have never heard of a case where the RAT was deployed even though there were no issues with the aircraft’s engine, hydraulic, or electrical systems," adding that a detailed investigation is necessary.

Previously, in June, Air India flight AI171, which departed from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat, India, for London, United Kingdom, crashed just 30 seconds after takeoff, resulting in 260 deaths. At the time, the RAT operated normally after engine power was lost due to an interruption in fuel supply, but the aircraft was unable to avoid the crash, according to the investigation.