An Air India Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, operating as flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham, was grounded in the United Kingdom after its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) unexpectedly deployed during the aircraft’s final approach to Birmingham Airport on Sunday. Despite the incident, the plane landed safely, and all passengers and crew members were unharmed.
The deployment of the RAT, an emergency device designed to provide electrical and hydraulic power in the event of a loss of engine power or other primary power sources, occurred as the aircraft was descending for landing.
Air India issued a statement detailing the incident, saying, “The operating crew of flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham on Saturday 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, indicating that the RAT deployment did not compromise the aircraft’s ability to land safely.
However, in accordance with standard operating procedures, the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 has been grounded for a thorough inspection to ensure its airworthiness before returning to service. As a result of the grounding, the return flight AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi was cancelled, and Air India is making alternative arrangements to accommodate affected passengers.
Also Read: Air India cancels two flights due to Typhoon Ragasa forecast
This incident draws parallels to a previous event involving the same aircraft model. In June 2025, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 operated by Air India was involved in a crash in Ahmedabad, where the RAT also deployed.
The interim probe report for that incident identified a fuel supply cutoff as the cause of engine shutdowns, which triggered the emergency mechanism. The recurrence of RAT deployment in the same aircraft model has raised concerns, though no immediate links between the two incidents have been established.
The Ram Air Turbine is a critical safety feature designed to activate only in emergencies, such as when an aircraft experiences a significant loss of power. Its deployment during the final approach of flight AI117, despite normal system functionality, underscores the need for a detailed investigation to determine the cause and ensure the aircraft’s reliability. Air India’s swift response and commitment to passenger safety highlight the airline’s prioritisation of rigorous safety protocols as it addresses this incident.
Also Read: Pilots' body seeks judicial probe into Air India AI 171 crash
Follow us
