U.S. investigators revealed that a Ryanair plane experienced a window shattering incident due to broken engine parts shortly after taking off in Greece last month. The incident occurred on July 10 after the flight departed from Thessaloniki. The Boeing 737-800’s right engine fan blade broke loose, causing damage to the window and fuselage. Bird remains inside the engine suggested a possible bird strike during takeoff.
A 61-year-old passenger was partially sucked out of the dislodged window, sustaining neck and shoulder injuries. Fellow passengers managed to pull him back inside the cabin. Flight attendants reported hearing loud vibrations and observing smoke or fog in the cabin, prompting the deployment of emergency oxygen masks.
Videos from inside the plane depicted passengers wearing oxygen masks and first responders working in the aisle after the emergency landing. Maintenance records showed that the failed fan blades had undergone inspections, with no prior damage detected. However, flight crews had reported previous suspected bird strikes on the same engine.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary received criticism from the NTSB for prematurely focusing on foreign object damage in the investigation. The FAA issued directives in response to previous fan blade failures on Boeing 737s, requiring airlines to strengthen engine coverings. The required modifications had not been made to the Ryanair plane involved in the incident.
Ryanair, Boeing, and CFM International are cooperating with the investigation. The FAA may reconsider the deadline for engine covering modifications following the latest incident. The 737-800 aircraft, which can accommodate up to 189 passengers, was delivered to Ryanair in 2008. The flight was operated by Malta Air, a subsidiary of Ryanair, and landed safely back in Thessaloniki after the incident.