DOHA: India has sought information from Boeing regarding the automatic deployment of the emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT) system on an Air India Dreamliner during its final approach to Birmingham last week – seconds before landing at 400ft. The US aerospace major has also been asked to provide preventive measures to avoid a recurrence. Boeing did not comment on the matter.The B-787 Dreamliner (VT-ANO) – AI117 – underwent Boeing-recommended maintenance for uncommanded RAT deployment at Birmingham on Oct 4. Since no discrepancy was observed and the aircraft was cleared for service, it operated a non-stop flight to Delhi’s IGI airport on Monday morning.Meanwhile, Federation of Indian Pilots has written to the aviation ministry, DGCA, and Aircraft Accident Investigation Board – probing the June 12 AI Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad – urging a thorough check of the electrical system on all B787s in the country.Senior pilots said RAT, a last-resort emergency power system, deploys during dual engine failure, hydraulic failure, or complete electrical failure. In this case, none occurred, yet RAT deployed.
About the Author
