Broken engine components caused a window to shatter on a Ryanair aircraft shortly after its departure in Greece last month, leading to a passenger’s head being pulled towards the opening before being rescued by fellow travelers, as stated by U.S. investigators. A fan blade from the Boeing 737-800’s right engine broke off, resulting in fragments damaging the window and other parts of the fuselage, according to a preliminary report from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The incident occurred on July 10 after the plane took off from Thessaloniki, Greece. Investigators discovered bird remnants inside the engine, indicating a potential bird strike during takeoff, although the exact cause of the fan blade detachment remains undetermined.
The 61-year-old passenger involved suffered injuries to the neck, shoulder, and friction burns after his head was drawn towards the broken window. Flight attendants reported hearing loud vibrations and observing smoke or fog in the cabin, prompting the deployment of emergency oxygen masks.
Passengers assisted in pulling the affected passenger back inside the cabin and used a metal box to cover the damaged window until the aircraft could land safely. Video footage from inside the plane showed passengers wearing oxygen masks due to the loss of cabin pressure and depicted the post-landing response by first responders.
Maintenance records revealed that the failed fan blades underwent inspections in May 2026 and November 2025 with no prior damage detected. However, the NTSB noted four suspected bird strikes reported by flight crews on the same engine in the past year, with bird remnants found after two incidents. Investigators will further scrutinize the inspection procedures and potential implications of previous bird strikes on the engine’s condition.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary faced criticism from the NTSB for prematurely focusing on foreign object damage rather than considering the aircraft’s age and maintenance history. The FAA had issued directives in 2025 to reinforce engine coverings on Boeing 737s following previous fan blade failures. Ryanair, Boeing, and CFM International are cooperating with the investigation, with the FAA potentially revising the deadline for required modifications based on the recent incident.
The affected aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Malta Air, a Ryanair subsidiary, successfully landed back in Thessaloniki, and passengers disembarked without further incidents.