A 61-year-old Serbian passenger named Ljubisa Karović nearly suffered a fatal ejection at 30,000 feet after a Boeing 737 window shattered mid-flight, according to reports published by The Independent UK. The July 10 incident, which occurred during a flight from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen near Munich, Germany, left the aircraft depressurized and forced an emergency landing.
How the Boeing 737 Window Failure Unfolded
Karović was pulled back inside the cabin by his wife, Svetlana Grković, who grabbed his legs while two other passengers assisted during the chaotic moments of decompression, according to published accounts of the flight. The acrylic window shattered due to what preliminary investigations indicate was foreign object debris striking the engine during takeoff from Thessaloniki.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively investigating the incident, with an initial report expected within 28 days followed by a detailed analysis. CEO Michael O’Leary told analysts that the involved aircraft was 18 years old and had its engines fully serviced and repaired within the previous two years.
Ryanair Defense and Safety Statistics
Despite the harrowing cabin breach, Ryanair Group Chief Financial Officer Neil Sorahan defended the fleet’s safety record, telling The Independent UK that the Boeing 737 remains the safest aircraft ever built due to rigorous maintenance standards and extensive crew training. “Specifically, there have been hundreds of millions of flights with this Boeing 737 aircraft globally since its inception,” Sorahan said.
Sorahan confirmed that Ryanair representatives have reached out to the affected family. However, the airline stated it is premature to discuss potential compensation while independent investigations are ongoing and Ryanair participates fully in the official probe.
Did You Know?
Similar window-related decompression events occurred on Boeing 737 flights operated by Southwest Airlines in 2016 and 2018, which also prompted federal safety reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Ryanair window to shatter?
Preliminary findings from airline executives indicate that foreign object debris likely struck the engine during takeoff in Thessaloniki, triggering the structural failure.
Who investigated the July 10 incident?
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the emergency landing.
Has Ryanair offered compensation to the passenger?
According to airline executives, it remains too early to discuss compensation while independent investigators continue their review.
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