Ryanair window smashed by engine debris in Thessaloniki incident: report
Ryanair Window Smashed by Engine Debris: Thessaloniki Incident Report
Poinews.com – A dramatic incident unfolded when Ryanair window smashed by engine debris during a routine flight from Greece to Germany. According to a preliminary report from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft experienced a fan-blade-out failure in its right engine shortly after departing Thessaloniki. The powerful engine fragments breached the fuselage, causing cabin depressurization and leaving one passenger partially sucked through the broken window opening.
The flight was en route to Memmingen, Germany, when the No. 2 engine suffered a critical failure during the climb-out phase. Two pilots, four flight attendants, and 149 passengers were aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident. The NTSB confirmed that one passenger sustained serious injuries during the event, while others managed to help secure the affected individual.
Passenger Account and Immediate Response
Ryanair confirmed that the flight returned to Thessaloniki after a passenger window dislodged inflight. The airline stated that the aircraft landed normally, and passengers made their way to the terminal before a replacement service was organized. Serbian national Ljubisa Karović was nearly pulled head-first through the broken window but was saved as fellow passengers held onto him firmly.
"The pressure pulled Ljubiša out; luckily he was strapped in, but half his body was sticking out of the plane," his wife, Svetlana Grković, told Serbian outlet Nova. "I reacted immediately and grabbed his legs. I thought, 'If we're going to die, we're going to die together.' It was awful."
According to the NTSB, Greek authorities delegated the investigation to the US agency in full the week following the incident. The thorough examination has revealed important details about the engine's maintenance history and potential contributing factors.
Investigation Findings and Technical Details
The investigation has determined that the fan blades had undergone ultrasonic inspections as recently as May, with no findings recorded. Flight crews had reported four suspected bird strikes to the same engine in the 12 months leading up to the Thessaloniki incident. While no damage was recorded in subsequent maintenance checks, the NTSB noted that bird remains were reportedly found in two of the cases.
This Ryanair window smashed by engine incident highlights the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring of aircraft engines. The NTSB continues to examine all aspects of the event, including the effectiveness of the crew's response and the passenger assistance provided during the emergency.
FAQ: Understanding the Incident
What caused the Ryanair window to break? Engine debris from a fan-blade-out failure in the No. 2 engine breached the fuselage and dislodged the passenger window.
How many people were on board? There were 149 passengers, two pilots, and four flight attendants aboard the aircraft when the incident occurred.
Where did the flight return to? The aircraft returned to Thessaloniki (SKG) and made an uneventful landing after the incident.
Who is investigating the incident? The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting the full investigation, delegated by Greek authorities.
Were there any prior issues with the engine? Yes, flight crews reported four suspected bird strikes to the same engine in the 12 months before the incident, with bird remains found in two cases.
For more information about aviation safety and similar incidents, readers may find additional coverage on Euronews My Europe.