Fresh evidence pointing to RAT could guide AI 171 crash probe

New video and audio evidence on Air India 171 Ahmedabad-London flight crash points to possibilities of both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner failing or the aircraft suffering total electrical or hydraulic failure.

This evidence, including the screen grab from a new video and audios, reveal distinct probabilities of automatic deployment of RAT (Ram Air Turbine) right before the crash. RAT is a small propeller-like device that deploys automatically in the event of dual engine failure or complete failure of the airplane's electrical and hydraulic systems.

The new proof could mean the plane may have suffered a failure of both engines, electrical or hydraulic failure or all of the above in combination, a senior pilot today said.

What is RAT

A small wind-driven turbine installed on an aircraft, typically in the fuselage or wing; under normal conditions, it remains stowed

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In emergencies such as complete engine failure or loss of electrical power, RAT deploys automatically or can be manually activated

It then generates hydraulic or electrical power by utilising the airflow generated by the aircraft's speed

This power is crucial for maintaining control and operation of the aircraft's essential systems

In the crash video that is now available, a loud sound, which experts are associating with RAT deployment, is audible. The video shows the plane struggling to maintain altitude. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was operating the Air India 171 flight, had crashed 32 seconds after take-off from Sardar Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.

In the light of new proofs, leading aviation expert Steve Scheibner also revised his original assessment of the June 12 crash. Scheibner had earlier flagged the following probable reasons--Power loss, bird hit, flap error or contaminated fuel. In his new assessment following fresh video and audio evidence, Scheibner has spoken of a high sound in the background and linked it to RAT deployment.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, an aviation trainer and instructor with past work experience in Jet, Air India and IndiGo said aircraft design and possible deficiencies would form a crucial part of the ongoing probe.

Aviation experts add that determining the truth behind the crash was crucial for India's overall flight safety standards. The International Civil Aviation Organisation's latest assessment places India's aviation safety oversight at number 55 against 112 previously. India also holds FAA (US Federal Aviation Administration) Category 1 status, which means it meets the highest international safety standards.