Updated August 1st 2025, 19:04 IST

Los Angeles: In another mid-air security scare, a Boeing aircraft en route to Santiago was forced to land in Los Angeles after its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) system deployed. The activation of the RAT system typically indicates engine failure or a major power loss.
A similar deployment occurred during Air India's ill-fated Boeing 787-8 London-bound flight carrying 242 passengers, which crashed on June 12 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft plunged into a nearby medical hostel building within seconds of takeoff, resulting in over 260 fatalities, including all passengers, crew members, and individuals inside the building. However, one passenger, who is a British national, survived the crash.
Since the Ahmedabad crash, airline operators worldwide have become hyper-vigilant, refusing to overlook or underestimate any technical irregularities. Passenger safety and aircraft integrity have become the foremost priorities.
This heightened caution has led to a noticeable increase in emergency landings, flight delays, aborted takeoffs, and cancellations, whenever any potential technical issues are flagged during operations.
Published August 1st 2025, 19:04 IST