Saturday, March 29, 2025
An Air India flight from Amritsar to Birmingham, UK, was forced into an emergency response on Saturday after its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) system unexpectedly deployed during the aircraft’s final approach to Birmingham Airport.
Flight involved: AI117, operating on the Amritsar–Birmingham route.
Timing & location: The incident occurred during the aircraft’s final descent into Birmingham on Saturday.
Safety status: The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew members were unharmed.
Air India said that the crew noticed the RAT deployment but emphasized that all electrical and hydraulic parameters remained normal throughout the approach. The aircraft was immediately grounded for technical inspection.
As a result, the return service AI114 (Birmingham to Delhi) was cancelled, with alternative arrangements being made for affected passengers.
The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is a critical emergency device designed to supply power when an aircraft’s main electrical systems or engines fail.
Function: It generates hydraulic pressure and electrical power using airflow, ensuring that essential flight controls remain operational.
Deployment: RAT activation usually happens only in cases of serious in-flight emergencies.
In June this year, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner experienced a similar situation during the Ahmedabad incident, when its RAT deployed after an engine shut down due to a fuel supply interruption.
The airline has assured that the aircraft will only return to service after a comprehensive technical inspection, stressing that passenger safety remains its highest priority.
