Air India's Mid-Air Emergency: Understanding the Ram Air Turbine Scare

Passengers aboard Air India flight AI 117 from Amritsar to Birmingham recently faced a harrowing experience when a critical technical glitch led to the emergency deployment of the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT) high above Romanian airspace. While the incident sent a ripple of alarm through the cabin, ultimately the flight made a safe landing, underscoring the robust safety mechanisms built into modern aviation.

For those unfamiliar, the Ram Air Turbine, or RAT, is an incredibly vital component designed as a last-resort power source on an aircraft.

Imagine a miniature windmill discreetly tucked away in the fuselage; when deployed, this small turbine extends into the airstream, using the force of the air to generate hydraulic and electrical power. It’s an ingenious solution, ensuring that even if an aircraft loses all primary engine power and auxiliary power unit (APU) capabilities, essential systems like flight controls and navigation remain operational, preventing a complete blackout and allowing pilots to maintain control.

The RAT typically deploys automatically in severe emergencies where the aircraft’s main power sources are compromised.

Its activation is a clear indication that a significant technical issue has occurred, forcing the aircraft’s systems to rely on this extraordinary backup. Despite its small size, the RAT is a powerhouse of reliability, providing the critical energy needed to guide the aircraft safely to its destination or to an emergency landing strip.

In the specific case of Air India flight AI 117, the unexpected deployment of the RAT occurred during its journey over Romanian airspace.

While the exact nature of the technical glitch that triggered this emergency response is under investigation, the crew expertly managed the situation, ensuring the safety of all onboard. The flight, carrying hundreds of passengers, continued its journey for several hours after the incident and eventually landed safely in Birmingham after approximately 12 hours airborne.

Authorities, including India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), have promptly launched a thorough probe into the incident.

Such investigations are crucial to understand the root cause of the technical malfunction and to implement any necessary preventative measures, reinforcing the already stringent safety protocols in the aviation industry. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the sophisticated engineering and redundant safety systems that work tirelessly to protect passengers and crew, even in the most challenging airborne scenarios.