The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the uncommanded mid-air deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) on an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Amritsar to Birmingham.
Flight AI 117 reportedly made a safe landing in Birmingham, and no injuries were reported. The incident involved the aircraft’s emergency power system deploying without command, prompting authorities to assess the safety implications.
What is the Ram Air Turbine (RAT)?
The RAT is a small turbine that automatically deploys when an aircraft experiences a complete loss of power, including engine failure. The turbine uses incoming airflow to generate emergency power, ensuring critical systems like hydraulics and avionics remain operational until recovery.
DGCA officials confirmed that the event is under active investigation to determine the cause of the RAT deployment and to ensure there are no underlying safety concerns with the Dreamliner fleet.
Passengers on board reported no visible panic, and the aircraft continued to its destination under normal control, demonstrating the robustness of emergency systems.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available from Air India and aviation authorities.
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