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The Federation of Indian Pilots has urged DGCA to inspect all B-787 systems in India after an Air India flight landed in Birmingham after its RAT deployed in final approach.
Air India flight (Representative image)
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will be carrying out a detailed investigation into the October 4 Air India flight AI117 incident, wherein the flight from Amritsar to Birmingham landed safely after the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) was deployed during its final approach.
This came after the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) addressed an email to the DGCA, reiterating the need for a comprehensive inspection of the electrical systems of Boeing 787 aircraft operating in India.
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According to the FIP, during the approach to Birmingham, the aircraft’s RAT automatically deployed at 500 feet.
The Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM) system detected a fault in the Bus Power Control Unit (BPCU), which may have triggered the RAT deployment.
Despite this, all electrical and hydraulic parameters were reported normal, and the aircraft landed safely. The plane has since been grounded at Birmingham for further checks.
In the email, the FIP emphasised that, since the introduction of the B-787 in India, multiple incidents involving its electrical systems have been reported.
“We have strongly urged MoCA and AAIB to conduct a thorough examination of the electrical systems of all B-787 aircraft in the country,” the email mentioned.
Highlighting the potential link to the previous Air India-171 crash, the FIP said, “In the interest of air safety, DGCA must carry out a detailed investigation of the B-787 electrical systems.”
AIR INDIA FLIGHT FROM AMRITSAR TO BIRMINGHAM
On Saturday, Air India flight AI117, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed safely in Birmingham after the RAT was deployed during its final approach. The airline confirmed that all electrical and hydraulic systems were functioning normally.
The flight took off from Amritsar on October 4.
According to an Air India spokesperson, the flight landed safely at Birmingham, and no passengers or crew were injured.
The aircraft has been grounded for further inspections.
“The operating crew of flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham on 04 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. The aircraft has been grounded for further checks, and consequently, AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi has been cancelled, and alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate the guests,” an Air India spokesperson said.
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
October 06, 2025, 10:15 IST
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