ENGINE FAN BLADE FAILURE DREW PASSENGER TOWARD BROKEN WINDOW ON RYANAIR FLIGHT

A fractured engine fan blade on a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 sent metal fragments through the aircraft shortly after takeoff from Thessaloniki, Greece on 10 July, according to a report released by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday. The fragments shattered a window and drew a passenger's head toward the opening before fellow travellers pulled him back inside the cabin. The 61-year-old man sustained friction burns and injuries to his neck and shoulder during the incident.

Investigators found bird remains inside the engine assembly, suggesting the aircraft may have struck a bird during initial ascent. Flight crew reported heavy vibrations and detected mist or smoke in the cabin shortly before emergency oxygen masks deployed. A flight attendant observed the passenger, seated in row 11, partially lodged in the damaged window frame. Passengers retrieved a metal container from cabin crew and attempted to cover the opening. A doctor travelling on the flight provided immediate care to the injured passenger after crew moved him to row 12.

The NTSB's investigative report documented the sequence of events and damage sustained by the aircraft. The incident occurred at approximately 15,000 feet, according to corroborating reports. The aircraft returned safely to Thessaloniki airport. Video footage recorded by passengers aboard the flight showed travellers using oxygen masks following the sudden loss of cabin pressure.