A Ryanair aircraft experienced a terrifying incident when broken engine parts caused a window to shatter shortly after takeoff in Greece last month. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that a fan blade in the Boeing 737-800’s right engine broke loose, leading to the window’s damage and fuselage damage in multiple spots.
The incident occurred on July 10 after the flight departed from Thessaloniki, Greece. Investigators found bird remains in the engine, indicating a possible bird strike during takeoff. The 61-year-old passenger whose head was sucked through the window suffered injuries to the neck, shoulder, and friction burns but was rescued by fellow passengers.
Flight attendants described hearing loud vibrations and seeing smoke or fog in the cabin, prompting the deployment of emergency oxygen masks. Passengers rallied to assist the injured passenger, using a metal box to block the opening until the plane could safely land.
Maintenance records revealed that the fan blades had undergone inspections, with no damage reported during the previous checks. However, the NTSB noted that multiple suspected bird strikes had been reported on the same engine in the past year, raising questions about potential pre-existing damage.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary received criticism from the NTSB for prematurely discussing the investigation’s focus on foreign object damage. The agency emphasized that all possibilities were being considered, and O’Leary’s comments were unauthorized.
Following the incident, Ryanair announced it would refrain from further comments until the NTSB investigation concludes. Boeing and CFM International, the engine manufacturer, are cooperating with the investigation. The FAA had issued directives requiring airlines to strengthen engine coverings on Boeing 737s after previous fan blade failures, with completion deadlines set for July 2028.
The FAA and NTSB may reassess the deadline for modifications in light of the recent incident. The involved aircraft, a 737-800 operated by Malta Air, a Ryanair subsidiary, returned safely to Thessaloniki after the frightening episode, with one passenger receiving medical attention upon landing.