Broken engine components caused a window to shatter on a Ryanair aircraft shortly after departing from Greece last month. As a result, a passenger’s head was pulled towards the opening before being saved by fellow passengers, according to U.S. investigators.
The incident involved a fan blade detaching from the right engine of the Boeing 737-800, leading to fragments damaging the window and fuselage. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a preliminary investigation after Greece handed over the case under international aviation regulations.
Initial findings suggest that bird remains were discovered inside the engine, indicating a possible bird strike during takeoff. However, the exact cause of the fan blade detachment remains undetermined.
The 61-year-old passenger involved suffered neck and shoulder injuries, along with friction burns. Flight attendants reported hearing loud vibrations and observing smoke or fog in the cabin, prompting the release of emergency oxygen masks.
Passengers assisted in pulling the affected passenger back into the cabin and attempted to block the damaged window using a metal box until the aircraft could safely land. Videos taken inside the plane showed passengers wearing oxygen masks due to cabin pressure loss.
Maintenance records revealed that the fan blades underwent inspections in May 2026 and November 2025, with no damage found previously. However, the NTSB noted that flight crews reported four suspected bird strikes on the same engine within the past year, with bird remains discovered after two incidents.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary received criticism from the NTSB for prematurely speculating on the investigation’s focus. The NTSB emphasized that all possibilities were being considered and O’Leary was not authorized to discuss the case.
The FAA issued directives in 2025 mandating airlines to enhance engine coverings on Boeing 737s following previous fan blade failures. These modifications aim to prevent engine covering pieces from detaching in case of fan blade failure. The deadline for implementing these changes had not been met by the Ryanair plane involved in the incident.
The FAA and NTSB may reassess the deadline for these modifications following the recent accident. The FAA refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation, emphasizing its support for the NTSB and readiness to take appropriate safety measures based on the investigation’s outcomes.
The aircraft, a 737-800 operated by Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air, landed safely back in Thessaloniki after the incident. Passengers returned to the terminal, with one receiving medical attention on the ground.