Broken engine parts shattered Ryanair plane window, partially sucking passenger out, US investigators find

A terrifying incident occurred on a Ryanair flight when a broken engine fan blade sent debris flying, shattering a plane window and nearly sucking a passenger out of the aircraft shortly after takeoff from Greece. The dramatic event unfolded on July 10, as the Boeing 737-800 departed from Thessaloniki.

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An engine fan blade broke off on a Ryanair flight and sent parts flying that shattered a plane window shortly after takeoff in Greece last month, which caused a man's head to be sucked into the hole in the fuselage before his fellow passengers pulled him to safety.

As the window dislodged, the cabin lost pressure, causing oxygen masks to deploy. The 61-year-old male passenger was partially pulled into the opening before other passengers bravely intervened, pulling him back to safety. The man sustained injuries including neck and shoulder pain, and friction burns.

Passengers recounted hearing a loud bang, described as similar to a tire bursting but much louder, immediately followed by the plane losing altitude. Panic ensued as the cabin depressurized. Videos shared from inside the plane showed passengers wearing oxygen masks and the aftermath of the blown-out window.

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The NTSB said it found bird remains inside the engine, suggesting the plane may have struck birds as it took off.

US investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who took over the investigation from Greek authorities, found bird remains within the engine. This suggests that the plane may have encountered a bird strike during its ascent. The NTSB has also taken issue with Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, reprimanding him for speaking to investors about the investigation's focus on foreign object damage before all aspects, including the plane's age and maintenance history, had been thoroughly examined.

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Passengers told Greek media that they heard a loud bang, oxygen masks dropped and the plane began to lose altitude.

The aircraft, operated by Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air, was delivered in 2008. Flight data indicates it climbed to over 4,570 meters before descending rapidly to burn fuel for about 30 minutes prior to returning to Thessaloniki.

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We heard a sound, I’d describe it like a tire bursting … but very loud.