Passengers on a Ryanair flight experienced a terrifying incident when a broken fan blade caused a window to shatter shortly after takeoff in Greece. The Boeing 737-800 suffered engine damage, with fragments striking the fuselage, as revealed in a preliminary report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The investigation was transferred to the U.S. agency under international aviation regulations.

The occurrence, which took place on July 10 after departing Thessaloniki, involved a potential bird strike, indicated by bird remains found inside the engine. A 61-year-old passenger was injured, with his head briefly sucked out of the broken window before being rescued by fellow travelers. The injured passenger sustained neck and shoulder injuries along with friction burns.

Crew members reported hearing loud vibrations and observing smoke or fog in the cabin, prompting the deployment of emergency oxygen masks. Passengers rallied together to assist the injured individual, moving him to another row and attempting to secure the damaged window until the aircraft landed safely.

Maintenance records showed that the fan blades had undergone regular inspections, with no previous damage detected. However, the NTSB noted prior bird strike incidents involving the same engine. The NTSB cautioned Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary for speculating on the investigation focus, emphasizing that all possibilities were being considered.

Ryanair, Boeing, and CFM International are cooperating with the investigation, following FAA directives issued last year to reinforce engine coverings on Boeing 737s. The FAA mandated modifications to prevent engine covering fragments from detaching in the event of fan blade failures. The required changes had not been implemented on the Ryanair aircraft by the time of the incident.

The FAA and NTSB may reevaluate the deadline for these modifications in light of the recent event. The FAA refrained from commenting on ongoing investigations but affirmed its commitment to safety. The flight involved a 737-800 aircraft operated by Malta Air, a Ryanair subsidiary. After the emergency landing in Thessaloniki, passengers safely disembarked, with one individual receiving medical attention.