Birmingham, October 5 - An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, on October 4, 2025, operating flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham, encountered an unexpected incident that has sparked widespread concern across the aviation community. As the aircraft approached Birmingham Airport at a height of 400-500 feet, its Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a critical emergency power system designed to deploy only during severe power loss, activated without command. Despite the alarming deployment, the skilled operating crew managed a safe landing, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew aboard. However, the incident led to the immediate grounding of the aircraft, identified as VT-ANO, for thorough inspections, while the subsequent return flight AI114 to Delhi was canceled, leaving passengers to rely on alternative arrangements. Air India’s official statement emphasized that all electrical and hydraulic parameters remained normal during the event, yet the unbidden RAT activation has raised questions about the reliability of the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet, especially in light of recent safety incidents.
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This incident gains added significance when viewed alongside the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in June 2025, where a similar RAT deployment preceded the tragic mid-air breakup of a Boeing 787-8 over Ahmedabad, claiming 260 lives. The RAT, a small wind turbine that provides backup power in emergencies, is not meant to engage under normal operating conditions, making its uncommanded activation a red flag for potential underlying issues. Aviation experts are now scrutinizing whether this could point to a recurring technical fault, possibly linked to the aircraft’s software or maintenance protocols. The earlier crash investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has yet to conclusively determine the cause of the June disaster, but the parallel deployment of the RAT in both incidents has fueled speculation about a possible design flaw in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or inadequate oversight by Air India. This has prompted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to launch a comprehensive probe into the airline’s fleet, focusing on the 787 models to ensure passenger safety remains paramount.
Public and industry reactions on social media platforms have been swift and critical, with many users questioning Air India’s maintenance standards and calling for greater accountability. Comments range from sarcastic remarks about the airline’s reliability to serious concerns about why such incidents seem to disproportionately affect Air India compared to international carriers like Emirates or Qatar Airways. The grounding of VT-ANO and the cancellation of flights have disrupted travel plans, amplifying passenger frustration and drawing attention to the airline’s operational challenges. Some aviation enthusiasts and professionals suggest that the unexpected RAT deployment might stem from spurious signals in the Dreamliner’s software, a theory that could tie back to the Ahmedabad crash and necessitate a deeper investigation into Boeing’s manufacturing processes. The Federation of Indian Pilots has also weighed in, urging enhanced system checks to prevent future occurrences.
As investigations unfold, the aviation world watches closely, with the DGCA’s findings expected to shed light on whether this is an isolated glitch or part of a broader safety concern. Air India has reiterated its commitment to passenger and crew safety, promising transparency as the situation develops. For travelers considering flights with Air India or other operators of the Boeing 787, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in modern aviation. With the airline working to accommodate affected passengers and authorities racing to identify the root cause, the outcome of this probe could have far-reaching implications for the Dreamliner’s reputation and Air India’s future operations. Stay updated on this breaking aviation news as more details emerge, and consider the latest safety reports before planning your next journey.