Air India 787 Dreamliner makes emergency landing at UK airport after RAT deployment

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner deploying from Amritsar to Birmingham was grounded in the UK after its emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed during its final approach on Saturday. Flight AI117 landed safely at Birmingham, and the aircraft has been taken out of service for further checks.

Air India confirmed, “The operating crew of flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham on October 4 detected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) of the aircraft during its final approach. All electrical and hydraulic parameters were found normal, and the aircraft performed a safe landing at Birmingham. The aircraft has been grounded for further checks and consequently, AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi has been cancelled, and alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate the guests. At Air India, the safety of passengers and crew remains top priority.”

The Ram Air Turbine is a small, fan-like device that deploys automatically when an aircraft loses power, usually if all engines stop running. The fan uses the incoming air to generate emergency power.

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Notably, the same Boeing 787-8 was involved in an incident in Ahmedabad in June, when the RAT also deployed. An interim probe report then found that a fuel supply cutoff caused the engines to shut down, triggering the emergency system.

Air India added that all electrical and hydraulic systems were functioning normally upon landing, but the aircraft will remain grounded for a detailed inspection as per standard safety procedures.