A malfunction in the engine of a Ryanair aircraft led to a window breaking and a passenger’s head being sucked out during a flight from Greece last month, as per U.S. investigators. The incident occurred shortly after the plane took off from Thessaloniki, with a fan blade detaching from the Boeing 737-800’s right engine, causing damage to the window and fuselage. The investigation was transferred to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) by Greek authorities.
The preliminary report revealed bird remnants in the engine, suggesting a possible bird strike during takeoff. The 61-year-old passenger involved suffered injuries to the neck, shoulder, and friction burns. Flight attendants reported hearing loud vibrations and observing smoke or fog in the cabin, triggering the release of oxygen masks.
Passengers managed to pull the man back inside the cabin, with some using a metal box to cover the damaged window until landing. Videos from inside the plane depicted passengers wearing oxygen masks due to a loss of cabin pressure. Maintenance records showed that the failed fan blades had passed inspections, though previous suspected bird strikes were reported.
Ryanair refrained from further comments pending the completion of the NTSB investigation, with Boeing and CFM International collaborating on the inquiry. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued directives in 2025 to reinforce engine coverings on Boeing 737s following previous incidents. The NTSB report indicated that the required modifications had not been implemented on the Ryanair plane.
The FAA and NTSB may reassess the deadline for these modifications in light of the recent event. The 737-800 aircraft involved had a seating capacity of up to 189 passengers and was delivered to Ryanair in 2008. Operated by Malta Air, a subsidiary of Ryanair, the flight made a safe landing, and passengers received medical attention upon return to the terminal.