To further elaborate (since it's the first time I'd heard about this system), the RAT ('Ram air turbine') as used on the A320 is a mechanism for generating powe

To further elaborate (since it's the first time I'd heard about this system), the RAT ('Ram air turbine') as used on the A320 is a mechanism for generating power for flight-critical systems during emergencies. A good default stance to take in situations like this (especially so soon after a tragedy) is that the pilot and crew were likely fully capable and well-aware of what they were doing. [1] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram_air_turbine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram_air_turbine