AI Plane Incident: Uncommanded Deployment of RAT Raises Safety Concerns at Birmingham Airport

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner experienced an unexpected deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) just before landing at Birmingham airport. This incident, which occurred on October 4, is under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aircraft, operating flight AI117 from Amritsar, landed safely despite the anomaly.

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The RAT is designed to deploy automatically during dual engine failures or other critical system failures to generate emergency power using wind speed. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has expressed concerns and urged a comprehensive review of the electrical systems in all Boeing 787 aircraft in India.

Safety Concerns and Investigations

The incident has heightened safety concerns, especially following a previous Air India Dreamliner crash on June 12 that resulted in 260 fatalities. Reports suggested that the RAT might have deployed before that crash, which occurred shortly after take-off. The DGCA is conducting a detailed investigation into the recent RAT deployment.

An Air India spokesperson confirmed that the RAT was detected during the final approach of flight AI117. Despite this, all electrical and hydraulic parameters were normal, allowing for a safe landing. Specific details about the number of passengers onboard were not disclosed.

Technical Analysis and Recommendations

A senior DGCA official noted that the RAT deployed at 400 feet during landing but no abnormalities were reported by the pilot. Maintenance actions recommended by Boeing for uncommanded RAT deployment have been completed without discrepancies, allowing the aircraft to return to service.

The FIP highlighted in a letter to DGCA that the Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM) system identified a fault in the Bus Power Control Unit (BPCU), potentially triggering the RAT's automatic deployment. The BPCU is crucial for managing an aircraft's electrical power system.

Previous Incidents and Ongoing Concerns

Following the Air India 171 crash, where engine or hydraulic/electrical failure and possible pilot error are being investigated as potential causes, FIP has consistently called for thorough checks of B-787 electrical systems. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is examining these factors as part of its probe.

The AAIB's preliminary report on the June 12 crash revealed that engine fuel control switches were cut off seconds after lift-off, with one pilot questioning why this action was taken. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about Dreamliner safety.

Fleet Overview and Future Actions

Currently, Air India operates 33 Boeing 787s, known as Dreamliners, while IndiGo also leases some of these aircraft. In light of recent events, FIP insists on rigorous inspections of all B-787 electrical systems to ensure air safety.

The letter from FIP was sent to key aviation authorities, including DGCA's Director General and Civil Aviation Secretary. As investigations continue, ensuring passenger safety remains a top priority for all involved parties.

With inputs from PTI