A Ryanair plane experienced a frightening incident last month when a broken engine part shattered a window shortly after takeoff in Greece. The incident resulted in a passenger’s head being partially sucked out of the plane before being pulled back inside by fellow passengers, according to U.S. investigators.
The Boeing 737-800’s right engine suffered a fan blade detachment, causing fragments to damage 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.
The incident occurred on July 10 after the flight departed from Thessaloniki, Greece. Investigators discovered bird remnants 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 in the incident sustained neck and shoulder injuries along with friction burns. Flight attendants reported hearing loud vibrations and seeing smoke or fog in the cabin, prompting the deployment of emergency oxygen masks.
Passengers observed the injured man lodged in the damaged window of Row 11 and acted swiftly to pull him back into the cabin. Medical assistance was provided by a doctor in Row 12, while other passengers attempted to block the opening with a metal box until landing.
Videos recorded inside the plane showed passengers wearing oxygen masks due to cabin pressure loss. Maintenance records revealed that the failed fan blades had undergone ultrasonic inspections in May 2026 and November 2025, with no prior damage detected.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary faced criticism from the NTSB for prematurely discussing the investigation focus. The FAA issued directives in 2025 to reinforce engine coverings on Boeing 737s after previous incidents involving fan blade failures. The required modifications had not been completed on the Ryanair plane at the time of the incident.
The FAA may reassess the deadline for these modifications in light of the recent accident. The 737-800 aircraft involved in the incident, operated by Malta Air, a Ryanair subsidiary, landed safely back in Thessaloniki, and passengers returned to the terminal without further incidents.