US National Transportation Safety Board investigators determined that a fractured engine component caused a window failure on a Ryanair aircraft operating between Greece and Germany in July. The incident resulted in a passenger being partially drawn out of the cabin before being pulled back inside by other travelers.
The flight, designated FR1879 and operated by the airline’s Malta Air subsidiary, experienced engine difficulties shortly after departing Thessaloniki International Airport. Flight crews detected significant vibration alerts and heard a loud noise during the climb phase, prompting them to declare an emergency and return to the airport for an uneventful landing. The aircraft was carrying 149 passengers and four flight attendants at the time.
Investigators found that a fan blade in the right engine detached during the initial climb, causing the cabin to depressurize and resulting in the structural damage to the fuselage. Records indicated the aircraft had experienced four bird strikes to the same engine over the preceding year, with remains found in two instances. Recent ultrasonic inspections of the fan blades had not revealed any issues prior to the incident.
The investigation noted that the Federal Aviation Administration had issued directives in 2025 requiring engine covering reinforcements on Boeing 737 aircraft following earlier blade failures. However, the required modifications had not yet been completed on the involved aircraft, with an implementation deadline set for 2028. Industry experts suggested the latest incident may prompt regulators to reassess the timeline for these safety upgrades.
Boeing and CFM International, the engine manufacturer, are participating in the ongoing investigation. Ryanair declined to comment on compensation matters pending completion of the final accident report.
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