A Ryanair aircraft experienced a harrowing incident when engine parts malfunctioned, causing a window to shatter mid-flight in Greece last month. U.S. investigators revealed that a fan blade in the Boeing 737-800’s right engine broke loose, leading to the window damage and fuselage impact. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was tasked with overseeing the investigation under international aviation regulations.
The occurrence took place on July 10 after the plane departed from Thessaloniki, Greece. Examination of the engine revealed bird remnants, hinting at potential bird strikes during takeoff, although the exact cause of the fan blade detachment remains undetermined. A 61-year-old passenger suffered injuries to the neck, shoulders, and friction burns as his head was pulled outward through the shattered window before being rescued by fellow passengers.
Flight attendants reported hearing loud vibrations and witnessing smoke or fog in the cabin, prompting the deployment of emergency oxygen masks. Passengers noticed a man stuck in the damaged window and managed to pull him back inside the aircraft. Subsequently, the injured passenger received medical attention from a doctor onboard, while others attempted to secure the opening using a metal box until landing.
Maintenance records indicated that the failed fan blades had undergone ultrasonic inspections without any prior damage findings. However, four suspected bird strikes on the same engine had been reported by flight crews over the past year, with bird remains discovered after two incidents. Experts suggested that ongoing investigations would assess the inspection procedures and potential contributions of the previous bird strikes to the recent occurrence.
Ryanair refrained from making additional comments pending the completion of the NTSB investigation, with Boeing and CFM International collaborating in the inquiry. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented directives in 2025 to reinforce engine coverings on Boeing 737s following previous fan blade failures. Although airlines were given until July 2028 to comply with the modifications, the NTSB report indicated that the Ryanair plane had not undergone the required changes.
The recent incident could prompt regulatory bodies to reconsider the deadline for modifications, considering the safety implications highlighted by the event. The FAA opted not to provide detailed comments on the ongoing investigation, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the NTSB and ensuring necessary safety measures based on the investigation’s findings.
The 737-800 aircraft involved in the incident, capable of accommodating up to 189 passengers, was delivered to Ryanair in 2008. Flight data revealed a rapid ascent and subsequent descent for fuel burning before the plane safely returned to Thessaloniki. Operated by Malta Air, a subsidiary of Ryanair, the flight concluded without further complications as passengers disembarked with one individual receiving medical assistance.