Full Breakdown
Ryanair Flight Window Failure Leaves Passenger Partially Sucked Out
7/22/2026, 8:21:32 PM
Core Event
On July 10 a Ryanair-operated Boeing 737 (flight FR1879, operated by Malta Air) departed Thessaloniki for Memmingen. After climbing past 15,000 ft, debris from the right-hand engine struck a passenger window at seat 11F, shattering it and causing rapid depressurisation. Passenger Ljubisa Karovic, 61, was partially expelled—his head and right arm were outside the fuselage while the plane continued at over 600 km/h. His wife Svetlana Grkovic, seated three rows behind, and other passengers pulled him back inside. The aircraft descended, burned fuel for about 30 minutes, and returned to Thessaloniki for an emergency landing.
Background & Context
The 18-year-old Boeing 737 had its engine fully serviced within the previous two years. Ryanair’s preliminary analysis points to “foreign-object damage” to the engine, a factor that could affect liability between the airline and the aircraft manufacturer.
Timeline
- July 10 – Window failure, partial ejection, emergency return.
- July 16 – NTSB assumed investigative authority.
- July 21 – Karovic gave an interview to The Guardian.
Data & Statistics
- Altitude at failure: ~15,000–16,000 ft.
- Speed at ejection: > 600 km/h (? 373 mph).
- Exposure outside the aircraft: 1½–2 minutes.
- Flight-tracking shows climb to 15,000 ft six minutes after take-off, then descent to ~6,000 ft before turning back.
- Injuries: neck and shoulder trauma, friction burns on the right arm, facial swelling, temporary right-side paralysis, ear and eye damage.
- Medical plan: six-week neck brace with later assessment for possible surgery.
Official Statements & Responses
The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed on July 16 that it was leading the investigation under protocols that allow Greece’s Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority to delegate authority to the NTSB.
Criticism & Opposition
Passenger testimony relayed by Svetlana Grkovic said crew assistance was absent; an Albanian passenger used a bag and a suitcase to block the shattered window while others held Karovic. Ryanair maintains that cabin crew followed required safety procedures after the aircraft descended, but the lawyer and several passengers allege no aid was offered during the critical minutes. No independent audit of crew actions has been released.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Ryanair’s position contrasts with passenger accounts, leaving the discrepancy unresolved pending the NTSB’s final report.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Initial indication would suggest it looks like a foreign object damage to the engine on takeoff at Thessaloniki, but we don’t have — we can’t say that definitively,” — Michael O’Leary, Ryanair CEO
- “Our customer care team have actively been in touch with the family since the incident,” — Neil Sorahan, Ryanair CFO
- “Ljubisa dipped in and out of death,” — Vasilis Tsiaras, to Karovic’s lawyer
What’s Next
The NTSB expects a draft incident report within roughly 28 days, followed by a detailed analysis. The investigation will determine the cause of the window failure and any regulatory or safety actions required for Ryanair’s fleet.
