In Greece last month, a Ryanair plane experienced a terrifying incident shortly after takeoff when broken engine parts caused a man’s head to be sucked through a shattered window. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that a fan blade in the Boeing 737-800’s right engine broke loose, leading to fragments damaging the window and fuselage. Investigators discovered bird remains in the engine, indicating a possible bird strike during takeoff, although the exact cause of the fan blade detachment remains undetermined.
The 61-year-old passenger involved suffered neck and shoulder injuries and friction burns as a result. Flight attendants on board observed loud vibrations, smoke, and cabin pressure loss, prompting the deployment of emergency oxygen masks. Passengers in the vicinity of the damaged window acted quickly to assist the injured individual, moving him to another row and attempting to block the opening with a metal box.
Maintenance records revealed that the fan blades had undergone recent ultrasonic inspections with no prior damage reported. However, the NTSB noted previous suspected bird strikes on the engine, raising questions about potential pre-existing issues. The agency also reprimanded Ryanair’s CEO for premature comments on the investigation focus.
Ryanair, Boeing, and CFM International are cooperating with the investigation, following FAA directives issued in 2025 to enhance engine coverings on Boeing 737s. These directives aimed to prevent engine covering fragments from detaching in case of fan blade failures. The FAA mandated airlines to complete necessary modifications by July 2028, a deadline that had not been met by the Ryanair aircraft involved in the incident.
This event may prompt regulatory authorities to reassess the deadline for these modifications, given the recent incident’s implications. The FAA is closely monitoring the situation and will take appropriate safety measures based on the investigation findings. The 737-800 aircraft, managed by Malta Air, a subsidiary of Ryanair, was landed safely after the incident, and passengers were assisted upon arrival back at the terminal.