A LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-8 departing for Santiago, Chile returned to Los Angeles after reporting electronic problems and deploying the RAT on 31 July 2025.
LATAM Airlines flight LA603 had conducted a departure from runway 25R Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The aircraft was performing a scheduled service bound for Santiago International Airport (SCL).
LATAM Airlines LA603 Los Angeles-Santiago
According to the Aviation Herald, LATAM flight LA603 was given an ATC clearance to climbed to flight level FL230 and maintain 280 KT after takeoff.
Flight crew subsequently advised that they would maintain FL230 as their final climb level, and requested a speed reduction to 250 KT.
When queried by air traffic control, the flight crew confirmed that they had deployed the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT). The deployment was made due to reported electronic problems on board the aircraft.
Following this advice, flight crew advised their intention to make a precautionary return to Los Angeles (LAX).
A holding procedure was subsequently entered to facilitate fuel dumping. Following the fuel dump procedure, the aircraft was returned to make a safe landing on runway 25L.
Following the landing, the aircraft exited the active runway and taxied to the gate without external assistance.
Flight Details
Flight data shows that flight LA603 and departed from Los Angeles International Airport at 4:15 PM local time on 31 July.
Following the takeoff from runway 25R, the flight terminated the climb procedure at FL230. A descent was then instructed, and flight crew entered a holding pattern to dump fuel at approximately 8000 feet.
Following the brief period of holding to facilitate fuel dumping, the aircraft was then vectored for an approach to runway 25L.
The aircraft conducting the LA603 service to Santiago International Airport was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered CC-BBI.
This is a 10.9 year old widebody aircraft belonging to the carrier LATAM Airlines Chile. It has been operational service with parent airline since its initial delivery from the factory in September 2014.
The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is a small turbine that deploys in emergency situations, like engine or electrical failures. It serves to provide backup power for essential systems like flight controls and hydraulics.
