US Investigators Lead Probe Into Ryanair Flight Window Incident Over Greece

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into a Ryanair flight where a passenger was partially sucked out of a broken window shortly after takeoff from Thessaloniki, Greece. The incident occurred on July 10, when a window dislodged and a 61-year-old man was partially ejected before being pulled back inside. He suffered neck and shoulder injuries and friction burns.

The Incident

The flight, operated by Malta Air (a Ryanair subsidiary), was a Boeing 737-800 heading to Memmingen, Germany. About six minutes after departure, while climbing past 15,000 feet, a loud bang was heard and oxygen masks deployed. The plane rapidly descended to about 6,000 feet and returned to Thessaloniki after burning fuel. Passengers reported rapid decompression and a brief suction effect near the broken window.

The Investigation

Initially, the NTSB believed the incident occurred over North Macedonia, but later determined it happened in Greek airspace Source: AP News. Greece's Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority delegated the probe to the NTSB under international rules Source: ground-news. The NTSB accepted and is leading with Greek participation Source: AP News.

Key Points

• The aircraft was a Boeing 737-800 delivered new to Ryanair in 2008 Source: AP News.
• Ryanair has not publicly addressed the engine issue disclosed by the NTSB, only stating the flight returned due to a dislodged window Source: AP News.
• Expert comment: Shye Gilad, a former airline captain, noted that seat belts can make a difference during rapid decompression and such events are very rare Source: AP News.