An Air India Boeing 787 has been grounded at Birmingham Airport after its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed during the final approach on Thursday evening. Flight AI117 from Amritsar, India, landed safely at around 7:10pm, with all electrical and hydraulic parameters reported as normal.
The RAT is a backup system that automatically deploys when an aircraft loses engine power, providing emergency power to flight controls and instruments. Air India confirmed the deployment but stated that the aircraft performed a safe landing.
The incident has led to the cancellation of the return flight AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi, with alternative arrangements being made for passengers. The airline did not disclose the number of people on board the affected flight.
This event follows a fatal crash involving an Air India jet in June, where the RAT was also deployed before the accident near Ahmedabad, killing 260 people. Investigators are still probing that crash, with deliberate action not ruled out.
Air India has faced scrutiny over safety, with India's regulator reporting 51 safety violations in the past year, including seven of the highest level. The airline reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.
