Pilots' Body Urges DGCA to Probe All Boeing 787 Electrical Systems
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the DGCA to conduct a thorough investigation into the electrical systems of all Boeing 787 aircraft in India. The call comes after an Air India 787's emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT) automatically deployed during its approach to Birmingham. The FIP highlighted this as another potential indicator of systemic issues, connecting it to the fatal crash of Air India flight AI 171 in June, where engine, electrical, or software malfunctions are being examined.
Unpacked:
The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is an emergency device that generates power from airflow if an aircraft loses its main electrical sources. Its deployment in normal conditions signals a serious electrical malfunction, raising safety concerns for passengers and crew.
Yes, the Boeing 787 has faced multiple electrical problems since its introduction, including wiring faults and battery fires globally, which led to previous groundings and increased scrutiny from regulators and airlines.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation into the recent incident, Air India has grounded the affected aircraft, and Boeing is assisting in analyzing the root cause to prevent future occurrences.
The crash of Air India flight AI 171 in June is under investigation for possible engine, electrical, or software malfunctions. The recent incident has heightened scrutiny of Boeing 787 electrical systems, linking both events as signs of potential systemic issues within the fleet.