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RAT Deployed Spontaneously on Air India Dreamliner; Preliminary Probe Rules Out Fault
Air India Flight RAT Deployment: The sudden deployment of the RAT (Rat) system during the landing of Air India flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham on October 5th has puzzled airlines and investigating agencies. In a recent statement, Air India claimed that neither a system malfunction nor the pilot's role was involved.
On Friday, Air India stated that the deployment of the RAM Air Turbine (RAT) on its Dreamliner aircraft on October 5th was due to neither a technical fault nor pilot error. This is according to the company's preliminary investigation. The incident occurred on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft flying from Amritsar to Birmingham when the RAT automatically deployed seconds before landing. This device is typically used when both engines of the aircraft fail or the electrical system fails. However, all systems on this flight were normal, and the aircraft landed safely.
Air India said in a statement, "Our preliminary investigation has revealed that the RAT opening was neither due to a system fault nor any pilot action. It occurred spontaneously, and similar incidents have occurred with other airlines, as reported by Boeing." The airline stated that the incident has been reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and a preliminary report has been submitted as per established regulations.
On October 5, 2025, flight number AI117, flying from Amritsar to Birmingham, was in the final stages of landing when the pilots observed the RAT opening signal. All electrical and hydraulic systems of the aircraft were normal at the time. The pilots made a safe landing, and no passengers were injured. After landing, the aircraft was temporarily grounded for inspection. Following the completion of the investigation, the aircraft was reinstated and operated a flight from Birmingham to Delhi.
