An incident involving a Ryanair plane in Greece last month saw a man’s head almost sucked through a broken window due to shattered engine parts, according to U.S. investigators. The Boeing 737-800 experienced a fan blade detachment from the right engine, leading to the window breakage and fuselage damage as per a preliminary report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Following the occurrence after departure from Thessaloniki on July 10, it was revealed that bird remains were found in the engine, hinting at a potential bird strike during takeoff. The passenger, aged 61, who was almost pulled through the window, sustained neck, shoulder injuries, and friction burns.
The flight crew reported loud vibrations, smoke, and oxygen mask deployment following the engine malfunction. Passengers assisted in pulling the affected individual back into the cabin and utilized a metal box to cover the damaged window until landing.
Notably, maintenance records indicated that the failed engine’s fan blades had undergone ultrasonic inspections with no damage discovered. Despite this, incidents of suspected bird strikes on the same engine over the past year were noted. Former NTSB and FAA investigator Jeff Guzzetti emphasized the need to delve into the maintenance procedures and potential connections to prior bird strikes.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary faced criticism from NTSB for prematurely focusing the investigation on foreign object damage rather than considering other factors. The FAA directives issued in 2025 mandated enhancements to engine coverings on Boeing 737s following previous fan blade failures. The required modifications had not been completed on the Ryanair plane by the specified deadline.
Considering the implications of the recent mishap, the FAA and NTSB may reassess the modification deadline. The aircraft involved, a 737-800 operated by Malta Air, returned to Thessaloniki following the incident, with passengers disembarking safely.
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