Air India Flight Faces Mid-Air Emergency: A Closer Look at the Ram Air Turbine Incident
An Air India flight from Amritsar to Birmingham experienced a significant mid-air scare on October 4, 2025, when its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed unexpectedly during the final approach for landing. This incident has reignited concerns about the safety and reliability of the Boeing 787 fleet, particularly in light of a tragic crash earlier this year.
Understanding the Ram Air Turbine (RAT)
The Ram Air Turbine is a crucial safety feature designed to provide emergency power to an aircraft’s essential systems in the event of a dual engine failure or total power loss. Typically, the RAT is a small, propeller-like device that deploys automatically under extreme conditions. Its unexpected activation is rare and often indicates a technical malfunction.
In aviation history, the RAT has played a vital role in ensuring the safety of flights during emergencies. It generates power from the airstream, which is essential for operating critical systems such as navigation, communication, and flight controls. According to aviation safety resource Skybrary, the RAT can either power an electrical generator or provide hydraulic power, depending on the aircraft’s design.
The Incident: What Happened?
On the fateful day, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI117, experienced the RAT’s deployment just minutes before landing at Birmingham Airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently investigating the incident involving aircraft VT-ANO. Air India confirmed that the flight crew detected the RAT’s deployment during their final approach but reported that all electrical and hydraulic parameters appeared normal. The aircraft managed to land safely, although it was subsequently grounded for inspection, leading to the cancellation of its return flight to Delhi.
Air India stated, “Alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate the passengers.” However, the incident has raised alarms about the Boeing 787 fleet’s reliability, especially following the tragic crash of another Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on June 12, 2025, which resulted in the loss of 241 lives.
Historical Context: The June 12 Crash
The June 12 crash, one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India in three decades, involved an Air India flight that crashed into a building shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The deployment of the RAT during that incident was a critical factor in the investigation, leading to heightened scrutiny of the aircraft’s electrical systems. The crash has left a lasting impact on the aviation community, prompting calls for stricter safety measures and thorough inspections of the Boeing 787 fleet.
In the wake of the recent incident, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the DGCA to conduct comprehensive checks of the electrical systems in all Boeing 787 aircraft operating in India. The FIP, representing over 5,500 pilots, emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure passenger safety. In a letter to the DGCA, the union stated, “This incident is another pointer towards the AI crash of the B-787 aircraft. In the interest of air safety, FIP insists that the DGCA must thoroughly check and investigate the electrical system of B-787 aircraft in the country.”
The Broader Implications for Aviation Safety
The recent incident and the subsequent calls for investigation highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the aviation industry in maintaining safety standards. The Boeing 787, often lauded for its advanced technology and fuel efficiency, has faced scrutiny over its safety record. The dual incidents involving Air India flights have raised questions about the aircraft’s design and the adequacy of safety protocols in place.
Historically, aviation has seen its share of technological advancements, but these innovations often come with their own set of challenges. The introduction of new aircraft models typically necessitates rigorous testing and regulatory oversight to ensure that safety measures are effective. The recent events serve as a reminder of the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation of aircraft systems, particularly in light of past incidents.
Conclusion
The unexpected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine on the Air India flight from Amritsar to Birmingham has reignited concerns about the safety of the Boeing 787 fleet. As investigations continue, the aviation community is reminded of the critical importance of rigorous safety checks and the need for transparency in addressing potential technical issues. The Federation of Indian Pilots’ call for thorough inspections underscores the ongoing commitment to passenger safety and the necessity of learning from past tragedies. As the industry moves forward, ensuring the reliability of aircraft systems will remain paramount in maintaining public trust in air travel.
