An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was withdrawn from service in the United Kingdom after its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed during approach on a flight from Amritsar to Birmingham.
According to the airline, during flight AI117 on October 4, the flight crew detected that the Ram Air Turbine had deployed during final approach; however, all electrical and hydraulic systems continued to operate normally. The aircraft landed safely at Birmingham Airport.
Following the incident, Air India announced that the aircraft was grounded for detailed technical inspections, resulting in the cancellation of the Birmingham–Delhi flight (AI114). The airline stated that alternative arrangements were made to minimize disruption for passengers.
What Is a Ram Air Turbine (RAT)?
A Ram Air Turbine is a small emergency device designed to provide backup electrical or hydraulic power if an aircraft’s main systems fail. Usually deployed from the fuselage, the turbine uses the outside airflow to drive a small generator that supplies power to essential flight systems. It rarely operates and typically activates automatically only in the event of a serious system malfunction.
In its statement, Air India emphasized: “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.”
