An investigation by U.S. authorities revealed that a Ryanair aircraft experienced a window shattering incident due to broken engine parts shortly after takeoff in Greece last month. The incident was caused by a fan blade breaking loose from the Boeing 737-800’s right engine, leading to the window breakage and fuselage damage in multiple areas. The investigation was handed over to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) by Greece in accordance with international aviation regulations.
The occurrence took place on July 10 after the plane departed from Thessaloniki in northern Greece. Evidence of bird remains inside the engine suggested a possible bird strike during takeoff, although the exact reason for the fan blade detachment remains undetermined. A 61-year-old passenger was injured when his head was pulled towards the shattered window, resulting in neck and shoulder injuries as well as friction burns.
Flight attendants reported hearing loud vibrations and observing smoke or fog in the cabin, prompting the deployment of emergency oxygen masks. Passengers assisted in pulling the injured man back into the cabin after he became partially lodged in the damaged window. Subsequently, the passenger was relocated to another seat for medical attention, while fellow passengers attempted to block the opening with a metal box until the aircraft could land.
Maintenance records indicated that the failed fan blades underwent inspections in May 2026 and November 2025, showing no damage during those assessments. However, four suspected bird strikes had been reported on the same engine by flight crews in the past year, with bird remains discovered following two of these incidents. Jeff Guzzetti, a former NTSB and FAA investigator, highlighted the importance of examining the inspection procedures and potential contributions of previous bird strikes to the engine damage.
Ryanair refrained from commenting further until the NTSB investigation concludes, with Boeing and CFM International providing support to the inquiry. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced directives in 2025 mandating enhancements to engine coverings on Boeing 737s to prevent similar incidents. The deadline for airlines to implement these modifications is July 2028, and the NTSB report revealed that the required changes had not been completed on the Ryanair aircraft involved in the incident.
Guzzetti suggested that the recent event might prompt a reassessment of the modification deadline by the FAA and NTSB. The FAA declined to comment on the ongoing investigation but emphasized its commitment to taking necessary safety actions based on the evidence. The aircraft involved, a 737-800 seating up to 189 passengers, was delivered to Ryanair in 2008 and operated by its subsidiary, Malta Air. The flight operated by Europe’s largest budget carrier proceeded with an emergency landing back in Thessaloniki after experiencing the window-shattering incident.