Full Breakdown
Engine Fan-Blade Failure Triggers Cabin Decompression on Ryanair Flight
8/15/2026, 7:56:21 PM
Engine Fan-Blade Failure and Cabin Decompression
On July 10 2026, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Malta Air (Ryanair subsidiary) suffered a fan-blade-out (FBO) failure in the right engine while climbing to about 16,000 ft after departing Thessaloniki for Memmingen. The fractured blade sent high-speed fragments into the fuselage, shattering the window at seat 11F. The rapid depressurisation pulled the head, right shoulder and arm of 61-year-old passenger Ljubiša Karovic outside the aircraft. Fellow passengers and his wife, Svetlana Grkovic Maksimovic, restrained him and pulled him back into the cabin. The crew deployed oxygen masks, reduced engine power, declared an emergency and returned to Thessaloniki, landing uneventfully about an hour after take-off.
Background & Context
The NTSB’s preliminary report notes that the same engine had logged four suspected bird strikes in the preceding 12 months, with bird remains recovered after two events. While the NTSB has not linked a bird strike to the blade fracture, investigators are examining possible foreign-object damage.
In 2025 the FAA issued three airworthiness directives requiring Boeing 737 NG operators to reinforce engine-inlet coverings, replace certain fasteners and revise inspection programmes. The directives give airlines until July 2028 to complete the modifications. The Ryanair aircraft had not yet incorporated these changes.
Data & Statistics
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-800, registration 9H-QEU.
- Flight carried 149 passengers (including one lap-child) and six crew members.
- Engine inspections on Nov 11 2025 and May 24 2026 found no damage.
- Injuries: Karovic sustained neck and shoulder injuries, friction burns and required medical attention on the ground.
Official Statements & Responses
- The NTSB took primary investigative control and released preliminary findings on Aug 13 2026.
- Boeing and CFM International said they are cooperating with the NTSB.
- Ryanair announced it would not comment further until the investigation is complete.
- The FAA administrator warned the incident could prompt a review of the July 2028 compliance deadline:
“It takes time to do the maintenance, to get the parts, and the risk at the time was assessed such that the industry could probably wait that long. Now with this event,” — Jeff Guzzetti
Criticism & Opposition
The NTSB reprimanded Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary after he told investors the investigation focused on “foreign-object damage” rather than aircraft age or maintenance history. The board stated investigators had not ruled out any factors and that O’Leary was not authorized to discuss the probe.
On-the-Ground Reports
Passengers recorded videos showing masks descending and the shattered window. A doctor on board treated Karovic’s injuries, while other travelers retrieved a metal box from the galley to temporarily cover the opening.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cause of blade fracture: Metal fatigue was identified on about 37 % of the fracture surface, but a bird strike has not been confirmed as a trigger.
- Compliance with FAA directives: The aircraft lacked the mandated modifications, though no direct link to the accident has been established.
- Similarity to prior events: Investigators are reviewing the 2018 Southwest Airlines incident but have found no direct connection.
What’s Next
The NTSB will continue its investigation, aiming to release a final report with probable cause within one to two years. The FAA and NTSB may reassess the July 2028 compliance deadline for the 2025 directives, depending on the investigation’s conclusions.
