A LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to Santiago, Chile, had to make an unexpected return to Los Angeles International Airport on July 31. The aircraft spent nearly an hour circling over the Pacific Ocean before heading back to LAX. What caught everyone’s attention was the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a backup system that kicks in to provide emergency hydraulic and electrical power when the main systems fail. Social media was abuzz with videos showing the RAT in action as the plane made its final approach to the runway. While the exact cause of the incident hasn’t been confirmed, the activation of the RAT typically points to a significant electrical issue. Despite the scare, the Dreamliner managed to taxi back to the gate on its own, which is a relief for everyone involved.
This incident is particularly noteworthy as it comes hot on the heels of another Boeing 787-8 issue. Just a week prior, a United Airlines flight had to return to Washington Dulles due to an engine failure, according to CNN. It’s a bit unsettling to see two similar incidents involving the same aircraft model in such a short span. As of now, LATAM hasn’t provided any additional information, and the situation is still under investigation.
For aviation enthusiasts and frequent flyers, these back-to-back incidents might raise some eyebrows. It’s a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in air travel, even with modern aircraft like the Dreamliner. Let’s hope for a swift and thorough investigation to ensure the safety of future flights.
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Originally reported by AVweb Read More
