In Greece last month, a Ryanair plane experienced a terrifying incident where broken engine parts caused a passenger’s head to be pulled out of a shattered window before being rescued by fellow passengers. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that a fan blade in the Boeing 737-800’s right engine broke off, leading to the window damage and fuselage impact.
Following the incident on July 10 after departing from Thessaloniki, investigators discovered bird remains inside the engine, hinting at potential bird strikes during takeoff. The 61-year-old passenger involved suffered neck and shoulder injuries and friction burns.
Flight attendants recounted hearing loud vibrations and witnessing smoke or fog in the cabin, prompting the deployment of emergency oxygen masks. Passengers in Row 11 assisted the injured individual, with some using a metal box to block the damaged window until landing.
Maintenance records disclosed that the failed engine’s fan blades had undergone ultrasonic inspections in May 2026 and November 2025 without any identified damage. Previous suspected bird strikes were reported to the engine, with bird remains discovered after two incidents.
Ryanair, Boeing, and CFM International are cooperating with the investigation. The FAA had issued directives in 2025 to enhance engine coverings on Boeing 737s, with a deadline set for July 2028 for completion. The required modifications had not been implemented on the Ryanair plane involved in the recent incident.
This event may prompt a reevaluation of the deadline by the FAA and NTSB. The aircraft involved, a 737-800 operated by Malta Air, a Ryanair subsidiary, safely landed back in Thessaloniki following the distressing episode.
