A Ryanair plane experienced a terrifying incident last month when a broken engine part caused a window to shatter shortly after takeoff in Greece. The shattered window led to a passenger’s head being sucked towards the opening before other passengers managed to pull him back inside the aircraft, according to U.S. investigators.
The incident occurred on July 10 after the Boeing 737-800 departed Thessaloniki in northern Greece. Investigators discovered bird remains inside the engine, indicating a possible bird strike during takeoff. However, the exact cause of the fan blade detachment remains unknown.
The 61-year-old passenger involved suffered neck, shoulder injuries, and friction burns due to the incident. Flight attendants reported hearing loud vibrations, seeing smoke or fog in the cabin, and observing the deployment of emergency oxygen masks.
Passengers assisted the injured individual by moving him to another row and attempting to block the damaged window with a metal box until the plane could land safely. Videos shared from inside the aircraft showed passengers wearing oxygen masks after a loss of cabin pressure, a blown-out window, and emergency responders at work post-landing.
Maintenance records indicated that the failed fan blades had undergone ultrasonic inspections with no damage found. Previous suspected bird strikes were reported on the same engine, raising questions about potential pre-existing damage contributing to the incident.
Ryanair, Boeing, and CFM International are cooperating with the investigation. The FAA had issued directives in 2025 to strengthen engine coverings on Boeing 737s following previous incidents. However, required modifications had not been made to the Ryanair plane by the time of the recent incident.
The FAA and NTSB are considering reassessing the deadline for these modifications in light of the incident. The 737-800 aircraft involved in the incident, capable of seating 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 at Thessaloniki after the incident.