A passenger on a Ryanair flight was partially sucked out of an airplane window after debris from the aircraft's engine shattered the glass shortly after takeoff over Greece. The incident occurred on flight FR1879, en route from Thessaloniki to Germany, forcing an emergency landing back in Thessaloniki.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang before the window blew out, causing a rapid cabin depressurization. The passenger, identified as Ljubisa Karovic, was reportedly pulled halfway out of the aircraft before his wife and other passengers managed to pull him back inside. Reports indicate he fainted multiple times during the ordeal and sustained injuries, requiring hospitalization.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been requested by Greek authorities to assist in the investigation into the cause of the incident. Aviation experts suggest potential causes could include an engine failure, a maintenance issue, or a manufacturing defect.
"It’s an extremely rare occurrence, but the Greeks have asked the US NTSB to investigate, so that’s a good thing because they have experience in investigating similar cases in the past," Jeff Guzzetti, an Aviation Risk expert and president of Guzzetti Aviation Risk Discovery, told The Post. He noted that a thorough investigation could take up to a year to determine the exact cause and assign responsibility.
Potential Liability
Investigators are working to determine fault, which could lie with the airline, the aircraft manufacturer, or other parties involved in maintenance or production. "If there is accountability, it could be with the manufacturer," Guzzetti stated.
Ryanair confirmed in a statement that the flight returned to Thessaloniki due to a "passenger window dislodged inflight." The airline stated the aircraft landed normally, and one passenger received medical attention. A replacement aircraft was arranged to transport the remaining passengers to their destination.
Despite the frightening nature of the event, aviation experts emphasize that air travel remains exceptionally safe. Guzzetti pointed out that "Air travel is still 600,000 times safer than driving in your car."
The Boeing 737-800 aircraft involved is one of the most widely used passenger jets globally. Ryanair operates a large fleet of these planes, each capable of seating up to 189 passengers. Airplane windows are designed with multiple layers of durable acrylic for insulation and strength, and cabin pressure is critical for passenger safety. In cases of sudden decompression, pilots are trained to descend rapidly to a safe altitude.