Air India Plane Crash: What is a Ram Air Turbine?

A preliminary investigation into the Air India Boeing 787-8 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12 has found that the plane deployed its ram air turbine (RAT) to generate emergency power after the fuel was cut off to the engines. The RAT is a small device that provides power in case of a main system failure, and it can deploy automatically or manually. It generates just enough electricity or hydraulic pressure to keep the most important systems running, including flight controls and radio equipment, until the plane can land safely.

A preliminary investigation into the Air India Boeing 787-8 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12 has revealed that the plane deployed its ram air turbine (RAT) to generate emergency power after the fuel was cut off to the engines. The RAT, a small device designed to provide power in case of a main system failure, can deploy automatically or manually. It generates just enough electricity or hydraulic pressure to keep essential systems running, including flight controls and radio equipment, until the plane can land safely.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been leading the probe into the world's deadliest aviation accident in a decade. The preliminary report, released on July 11, found that the plane's engines' fuel cutoff switches shifted from cutoff to run within seconds of each other, indicating a potential issue with the engine systems. However, the report also stated that there are no immediate recommended actions for Boeing or GE, the engine manufacturer, as the investigation is ongoing [2].

The Civil Aviation Minister, K Rammohan Naidu, has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the investigation process. He expects the AAIB to release the preliminary report very soon, as per the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) norms, which allow for a 30-day submission period [1].

The crash, which occurred soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulted in 260 fatalities, including 241 passengers on board the plane. One passenger survived the crash. The incident was the first time that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner suffered a fatal accident resulting in hull loss.

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/aaibs-preliminary-report-on-air-india-plane-crash-very-soon-civil-aviation-min-naidu/articleshow/122390360.cms
[2] https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-07-11/india-finds-engine-switch-movement-in-fatal-air-india-crash-no-immediate-action-for-boeing-or-ge