A Ryanair plane experienced a terrifying incident in Greece last month when a broken engine part caused a man’s head to be sucked out of a shattered window shortly after takeoff. U.S. investigators revealed that a fan blade in the Boeing 737-800’s right engine broke loose, leading to fragments damaging the window and fuselage. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a preliminary investigation after Greece handed over the case under international aviation regulations.
The incident occurred on July 10 after the flight departed Thessaloniki. Evidence of bird remains inside the engine suggested a possible bird strike during takeoff, although the exact cause of the fan blade detachment remains undetermined. The 61-year-old passenger whose head was pulled through the window suffered neck and shoulder injuries along with friction burns.
Flight attendants reported loud vibrations, smoke, and cabin pressure issues, prompting emergency oxygen masks to deploy. Passengers noticed the man in a damaged window and successfully pulled him back inside the cabin. The injured passenger received medical attention from a doctor onboard while other passengers attempted to block the opening using a metal box until landing.
Maintenance records indicated that the failed fan blades had undergone ultrasonic inspections with no prior damage discovered. However, the NTSB found that the engine had experienced four suspected bird strikes in the past year, with bird remains recovered following two incidents. The investigation will focus on the maintenance procedures and the potential impact of previous bird strikes.
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 was not authorized to disclose details. Ryanair, Boeing, and CFM International are cooperating with the investigation.
Following previous fan blade failures, the FAA issued directives for airlines to reinforce engine coverings on Boeing 737s to prevent engine debris from damaging the aircraft. The deadline for these modifications had not been met by the Ryanair plane involved in the incident, raising concerns about the adequacy of the current timeline. The FAA refrained from commenting on ongoing investigations but assured its commitment to safety based on the evidence presented.
The 737-800 aircraft, operated by Malta Air, a Ryanair subsidiary, safely returned to Thessaloniki after the incident. Passengers disembarked without further incidents, with only one passenger requiring medical attention.