NTSB Takes Lead in Ryanair Incident Probe
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed responsibility for investigating a July 10 Ryanair flight incident in which a window dislodged, causing rapid cabin decompression and leaving a passenger partially sucked out of the aircraft. The incident, which occurred over Greek airspace, initially led investigators to believe it happened near the Republic of North Macedonia, according to the NTSB.
The flight, operated by Malta Air—a Ryanair subsidiary—traveled from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany. A 61-year-old passenger sustained neck and shoulder injuries and friction burns, as reported by a Greek hospital official. The airline confirmed one passenger received medical care post-landing but did not address the NTSB’s mention of a “right engine issue and cabin decompression.”
Passenger Injuries and Medical Response
The injured passenger, whose name remains undisclosed, was treated at a Greek hospital. Ryanair stated that a replacement aircraft later transported the remaining passengers to their destination.
Passengers described hearing a “loud bang” followed by oxygen masks dropping and the plane descending. Videos shared by Radio Thessaloniki showed passengers wearing masks and a blown-out window, with a man nearby using an oxygen mask. The footage also captured first responders working in the aisle after the plane returned to Thessaloniki.
Flight Data Reveals Critical Moments
Flight records indicate the Boeing 737-800—delivered to Ryanair in 2008—climbed past 15,000 feet before rapidly descending to about 6,000 feet six minutes after takeoff. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 noted the aircraft remained at the lower altitude for roughly 30 minutes to burn fuel before returning to Thessaloniki about an hour after departure.
Experts highlight the rarity of such incidents. Shye Gilad, a former airline captain who teaches at Georgetown University’s business school, explained that a blown-out window would trigger “rapid decompression,” creating a suction effect that could endanger passengers. “The seat belt can help in those first few seconds,” he said, emphasizing the importance of keeping seat belts fastened.
Aviation Safety Implications and Industry Response
While Ryanair has not commented on the engine issue cited by the NTSB, the airline reiterated its statement about the window dislodgement. No further details about the cause of the window failure have been released.
Gilad noted that “it takes a lot to breach a cabin.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the window to blow out?
The NTSB is investigating the cause, but no official findings have been released. Ryanair has not commented on the issue.
How rare are cabin decompression incidents?
Shye Gilad stated that events such as this one are “very rare.”
What should passengers do during decompression?
Shye Gilad stated that people should keep their seat belts fastened at all times.
