What caused Air India crash that killed 260? Global experts focus on RAT system failure

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The investigation is reportedly examining a potential malfunction in the Ram Air Turbine's automatic deployment, identified as a critical system failure read more
Firefighters work to put out a fire at the site where an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, on Friday. Reuters
Investigation into the June 12 Air India plane crash is focusing on the potential malfunction of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) system, among other issues.
The investigation team consists of international aviation experts from the UK and the US, including former Boeing captains.
The investigation is examining a potential malfunction in the Ram Air Turbine's automatic deployment, identified as a critical system failure.
According to sources, the faulty RAT deployment is believed to have caused a loss of engine power, significantly contributing to the crash.
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Notably, a RAT is a small wind turbine deployed on aeroplanes as a backup power source during emergencies. It's designed to generate electrical and hydraulic power from the airstream when primary power sources fail.
The probe has raised serious questions about aircraft system integrity and crew response, implicating both Air India and Boeing.
A London-based legal team is coordinating the investigation, working with US safety consultants and aviation engineers.
Preliminary report expected next week
A preliminary report on the tragic crash is reportedly expected to be released by July 11 as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety in the civil aviation sector.
According to sources cited by NDTV, the preliminary report is expected to be four to five pages long and will provide early findings about the crash. It will include details about the aircraft, the crew, the conditions at Ahmedabad airport, and the weather at the time of the incident.
The report will also name the lead investigator, describe the wreckage, summarise the investigation's progress, and outline the next steps to be taken in the coming days.
Additionally, authorities are investigating a near-miss incident involving another Air India flight just two days after the crash. On June 14, a flight from Delhi to Vienna suddenly lost altitude, dropping nearly 900 feet.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into this incident, and the close timing of these two events has intensified scrutiny of Air India's flight safety and regulatory oversight.
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