A Ryanair aircraft experienced a harrowing incident when broken engine parts caused a window to shatter mid-flight in Greece last month. The shattered window resulted in a passenger’s head being pulled towards the opening before being rescued by fellow passengers, according to U.S. investigators.
The incident was traced back to a fan blade in the right engine of the Boeing 737-800, which detached, causing fragments to damage the window and other parts of the fuselage. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a preliminary investigation after Greece handed over the case based on international aviation regulations.
On July 10, shortly after departing from Thessaloniki, Greece, the incident occurred. Evidence of bird remains inside the engine suggested a possible bird strike during takeoff as a contributing factor to the fan blade detachment, though the exact cause remains undetermined.
The passenger, a 61-year-old man, suffered neck and shoulder injuries along with friction burns as a result of being partially sucked towards the damaged window. Flight attendants reported hearing loud vibrations and observing smoke or fog filling the cabin, leading to the deployment of emergency oxygen masks.
After passengers managed to pull the injured man back inside the cabin, he was relocated to another row where a doctor offered medical assistance. Passengers improvised a temporary block using a metal box to cover the damaged window until the plane could safely land.
The aircraft’s maintenance records indicated that the fan blades in the malfunctioning engine had undergone ultrasonic inspections in May 2026 and November 2025, revealing no prior damage. However, there were reports of four suspected bird strikes to the same engine within the past year, with bird remains discovered after two incidents.
Experts, including former NTSB and FAA investigator Jeff Guzzetti, speculated that scheduled maintenance had been carried out as required, but they highlighted the need to investigate the inspection procedures and potential implications of previous bird strikes on the engine’s condition.
Ryanair refrained from commenting further on the ongoing NTSB investigation, with Boeing and CFM International, the engine manufacturer, cooperating in the inquiry. The FAA had issued directives in 2025 mandating enhancements to engine coverings on Boeing 737s to prevent similar incidents, with a deadline of July 2028 for completion of necessary modifications.
The incident involving the Ryanair flight could prompt a reassessment of the deadline for these modifications, according to experts. The FAA pledged to support the NTSB’s investigation and take appropriate safety measures based on the findings.
The aircraft involved, a 737-800 operated by Malta Air, a subsidiary of Ryanair, successfully landed back in Thessaloniki after descending to a lower altitude for fuel burning. Passengers returned safely to the terminal, with one individual receiving medical attention on the ground following the incident.