The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a detailed investigation into an incident involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft (registration VT-ANO) that experienced an uncommanded deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) while landing.
According to an official DGCA report, the aircraft was operating flight AI-117 from Amritsar to Birmingham on October 4, 2025, when at approximately 400 feet during landing, the cockpit displayed a “RAT unlock” message and the turbine deployed automatically. Despite this, the pilots did not report any associated abnormalities, and the aircraft landed safely.
Following the incident, Boeing recommended a series of maintenance checks for uncommanded RAT deployment, all of which were carried out with no discrepancies observed. The aircraft has since been cleared for service.
Boeing has also issued a Fleet Team Digest summarizing similar cases of RAT deployment across its fleet, indicating the need for further technical evaluation.
The DGCA confirmed that an officer from its Directorate of Air Safety (Northern Region) has been assigned to conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the uncommanded deployment and to assess any potential risks.
The RAT, a crucial backup system, automatically deploys in the event of total engine or electrical power loss to provide hydraulic and electrical power during emergencies. Uncommanded deployment during a normal flight phase is rare and warrants a thorough probe.
