Emergency system deploys in UK-bound AI flight, lands safely

In a serious midair scare, an Air India Boeing 787 operating from Amritsar to Birmingham reported unexpected deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) during landing on Saturday, prompting the pilots' union to flag the need for detailed checks of the aircraft's electrical system.

- Neha LM Tripathi

The aircraft landed safely, the airline said on Sunday.

The RAT, a small propeller-like device, is designed to automatically deploy only in extreme emergencies such as a dual engine failure or total power loss. Its unexpected deployment is rare and usually signals a technical fault.

"The operating crew of flight All17 from Amritsar to Birmingham on 4 October 2025 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," Air India said in a statement.

While the incident took place during landing at 400ft when a message of unlocking RAT was received, a senior DGCA official said, the pilot did not report of any related abnormality.

Another official said, "All recommended maintenance actions have been carried out and found satisfactory. Boeing has confirmed the aircraft to be structurally and functionally acceptable for continued operation if all the steps are satisfactory."

The DGCA will be investigating the incident, officials confirmed.

"The matter requires detailed investigation. An officer from directorate of sir safety (NR) has been assigned this investigation," a DGCA official said.