An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham, was grounded at Birmingham Airport on Saturday, October 4, 2025, after its emergency system, the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), deployed mid-descent. The aircraft landed safely, and there were no injuries to passengers or crew.
The RAT is a crucial safety feature that automatically deploys in situations where an aircraft experiences a loss of power, typically when all engines cease operating. This small, fan-like device uses the oncoming wind to generate emergency electrical and hydraulic power, allowing pilots to maintain control of essential flight systems.
According to Air India, the crew detected the RAT deployment during the aircraft's final approach to Birmingham. The airline stated that "all electrical and hydraulic parameters were found normal, and the aircraft performed a safe landing at Birmingham". Despite the seemingly normal functioning of these systems, standard operating procedures necessitate grounding the aircraft for a thorough inspection.
Consequently, the return flight, AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi, has been canceled, and Air India is making alternative arrangements to accommodate affected passengers. An Air India spokesperson emphasized that "At Air India, the safety of passengers and crew remains [the] top priority".
The incident raises questions about why the RAT deployed when all other systems appeared to be functioning correctly. Aviation engineers and safety departments are currently investigating the cause of the deployment. The incident is particularly concerning because the same aircraft model, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was involved in a fatal crash in Ahmedabad in June of this year, where the RAT also deployed. The preliminary probe into the Ahmedabad crash indicated that a fuel supply cutoff led to engine shutdowns, triggering the RAT. That crash killed 260 people. A detailed technical investigation into the Ahmedabad crash is still underway, with the final report expected in the coming months.
The safety of Boeing aircraft has been under scrutiny, especially after recent crashes involving planes manufactured by the American company. The unexplained activation of the RAT on the Air India flight has intensified concerns and prompted a thorough investigation.
The incident is significant not only for India's civil aviation industry but also for the broader Boeing Dreamliner fleet, with operators worldwide closely monitoring the situation.
