DGCA must probe all Boeing 787 operating in India: Pilot's body after deployment of RAT in UK-bound flight

he FIP emphasised that, since the introduction of the B-787 in India, multiple incidents involving its electrical systems have been reported

Following the recent Air India AI117 incident, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to initiate a detailed investigation into the electrical systems of all Boeing 787 aircraft operating in India, ANI reported.

In a letter addressed to the DGCA, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the FIP cited safety concerns after an Air India Dreamliner experienced an unexpected deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) during approach at Birmingham.

According to the FIP, Air India flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham (VT-ANO) automatically deployed its RAT at around 500 feet on final approach. The Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM) system later detected a fault in the Bus Power Control Unit (BPCU), which may have triggered the deployment.

Despite the malfunction, “all electrical and hydraulic parameters were found normal,” and the aircraft landed safely, the FIP said. The Dreamliner has been grounded at Birmingham for further checks.

“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 FIP wrote in its email, adding, “In the interest of air safety, DGCA must carry out a detailed investigation of the B-787 electrical systems.”

The pilots’ federation also noted that since the induction of Boeing 787s in India, there have been “multiple incidents involving its electrical systems.”

Confirming the event, an Air India spokesperson said, “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.”

The incident has reignited concerns over the Dreamliner’s electrical reliability, prompting renewed scrutiny from India’s aviation safety authorities.

*With Agency Inputs