Ryanair Flight Engine Failure: A Terrifying Ordeal in Greece
A Ryanair flight experienced a terrifying incident when an engine fan blade broke off shortly after take-off in Greece, causing damage to the plane's fuselage and shattering a window. The incident resulted in a man's head being partially sucked out of the plane before fellow passengers managed to pull him back inside. Oxygen masks were deployed as the cabin lost pressure, and panic ensued among the passengers.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that engine parts damaged the fuselage in multiple places, with bird remains found inside the engine, indicating a possible bird strike during take-off. The 61-year-old man who was nearly sucked out of the plane suffered injuries before being rescued by other passengers. The incident occurred on a Boeing 737-800 shortly after departing from Thessaloniki.
Passengers described hearing a loud bang, followed by the loss of altitude and pressure in the cabin. Videos shared by Radio Thessaloniki showed passengers wearing oxygen masks and the blown-out window. The aircraft, operated by Malta Air, a subsidiary of Ryanair, returned to Thessaloniki after the incident for further investigation.
The NTSB criticized Ryanair's CEO for prematurely discussing the investigation's focus on foreign object damage, emphasizing that all possibilities were being considered. The plane involved in the incident was delivered to Ryanair in 2008 and had a right engine issue during the flight. The flight records indicated a rapid descent to burn fuel before returning to Thessaloniki.
Despite the frightening ordeal, the plane landed safely, and passengers received medical assistance upon arrival. The investigation was conducted jointly by the Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority and the NTSB, with Greece participating in the process. The incident highlighted the importance of thorough maintenance and safety protocols in aviation to prevent such incidents in the future.