National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). According to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, evidence suggests the structural failure was caused by an external object. The incident, which occurred on July 10, resulted in severe injuries to a Serbian passenger, Ljubiša Karović, whose head and right shoulder were pulled through the aperture during the flight from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Germany.
The Mechanics of the Ryanair Cabin Failure
The aircraft, an 18-year-old Boeing 737 operated by Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air, suffered a catastrophic window failure mid-flight. Passengers reported hearing what they described as an “explosion” on board. According to O’Leary, the aircraft’s engine had undergone a full service and major overhaul within the previous two years, shifting the focus of the investigation toward the fuselage and window integrity.
The NTSB has taken the lead on the investigation, with a preliminary report expected within approximately 28 days of the incident.
Emergency Response and Passenger Survival
The survival of the passenger was largely attributed to the immediate actions of those nearby. Svetlana Grkovich Maksimović, the wife of the injured passenger, told BBC Serbia that she and two other passengers held onto his legs for several minutes to prevent him from being fully pulled out of the aircraft. “We pulled him back. His whole face was deformed, and blood was running from his nose and mouth,” she described.
Following the emergency landing, the injured passenger was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the window to break on the Ryanair flight?
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary stated that the damage was likely caused by an external object. A formal determination is pending the final NTSB report.
Who is investigating the incident?
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the structural failure.
How long until the investigation results are released?
Michael O’Leary indicated that a preliminary report is expected to be finalized approximately 28 days after the event.
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