India’s Pilot Agency Calls for Inspection of Boeing 787 Dreamliners
NEW DELHI – India’s leading pilot agency is urging civil aviation regulators to inspect all Boeing 787 Dreamliners operating in the country. This recommendation comes after an incident where one of these aircraft unexpectedly activated an emergency power system over the weekend.
The system in question is a backup generator, known as a RAM air turbine (or RAT), which typically engages when the aircraft loses engine power.
Interestingly, this RAT was activated on Air India’s flight 117 shortly after departing from Amritsar in northern India, albeit the plane safely landed in Birmingham, England.
The Indian Pilot Federation, representing around 6,000 pilots, requested a thorough inspection this past Sunday evening.
Air India, which is part of the Tata Group, stated that following the incident, they found that “all electrical and hydraulic parameters are normal,” and confirmed a safe landing.
This recent deployment of emergency devices has reignited safety concerns regarding the Dreamliner in India. Back in June, a catastrophic crash involving an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad resulted in the deaths of 260 individuals on the ground, including 19 fatalities.
A preliminary report from that incident revealed a critical issue where the engine’s fuel control switch moved to the “cutoff” position before the crash, depriving both engines of fuel. The RAT was activated as a result of the aircraft losing thrust and power.
Sharanvil Singh Randawa, the president of India’s Pilot Federation, expressed his disbelief at the RAT system being deployed without any prior issues with the engine, hydraulic, or electrical systems. He emphasized the need for a detailed investigation into the incident.
With over 50 years in the aviation industry, Randawa also reached out to India’s Civil Aviation Director, advocating for an investigation into the electrical systems of all Boeing Dreamliners in operation across the nation.
There has been no comment from India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Boeing India representatives were unavailable for immediate discussion.
