Air India 787 Experiences Unexpected Ram Air Turbine Deployment During Landing

An issue occurred on Air India’s 787 aircraft in which the ram air turbine (RAT) suddenly deployed during landing.

Incident Details: Flight AI117

The trouble occurred on October 4th local time. On flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham, the RAT was deployed without warning on a 787-8 that was on approach to landing at Birmingham Airport.

On 4th October – Air India Boeing 787 to Birmingham had a Ram Air Turbine deployment on final approach. The aircraft landed safely. pic.twitter.com/wJq9w9qJ9q

– AviationSource news (@AvSourceNews) October 5, 2023

What is a Ram Air Turbine (RAT)?

A Ram Air Turbine is an emergency power source for aircraft. It’s a small turbine that automatically deploys into the airstream when the aircraft’s engines fail or experiance a significant power loss. The force of the air turning the turbine generates hydraulic power and/or electrical power, providing essential control surfaces and critical systems with backup energy. RATs are crucial for maintaining aircraft control during emergencies, allowing pilots to safely glide and land.

Why is Unexpected RAT Deployment Concerning?

While RATs are designed for emergencies, unexpected deployment during normal flight operations, especially on final approach, is a serious event.Here’s why:

• Aerodynamic Drag: A deployed RAT creates significant drag,potentially affecting the aircraft’s handling characteristics during a critical phase of flight.
• System Strain: Unexpected activation can put stress on the hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Inquiry Required: Such an event necessitates a thorough investigation to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence.

The Landing and Subsequent Investigation

Despite the unexpected RAT deployment, the Air India flight AI117 landed safely at Birmingham Airport. The aircraft was subsequently inspected, and an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the deployment.details of the investigation are still emerging.

Possible Causes

Several factors could contribute to an unintended RAT deployment. These include:

• Sensor Malfunction: A faulty sensor might have incorrectly signaled a loss of engine power.
• Hydraulic System Issue: A problem within the hydraulic system could have triggered the deployment mechanism.
• Software Glitch: A software error in the aircraft’s flight control system is another possibility.
• Mechanical Failure: A physical malfunction within the RAT deployment system itself.

Key Takeaways

• Air India flight AI117 experienced an unexpected RAT deployment on final approach to Birmingham airport.
• The aircraft landed safely, but an investigation is underway.
• Unexpected RAT deployments are concerning due to aerodynamic drag and potential system strain.
• Possible causes include sensor malfunction, hydraulic issues, software glitches, or mechanical failure.

FAQ

What does RAT stand for?

Ram Air Turbine.

Is a RAT deployment always an emergency?

No, RATs are for emergencies. however, unexpected deployment during normal flight is an abnormal situation requiring investigation.

Could this incident have been more serious?

Yes, depending on the circumstances, unexpected RAT deployment could significantly impact aircraft handling, especially at low altitudes.

This incident highlights the importance of robust aircraft systems and thorough maintenance procedures. As the investigation progresses, more data will become available regarding the specific cause of the RAT deployment. Continued vigilance and proactive safety measures are essential to ensure the safety of air travel.