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4w ago

Ryanair Boeing 737 Returns to Thessaloniki After Cabin Window Detaches and Passenger Is Partially Pulled Out

Greek investigators have opened a probe to determine whether engine debris or a structural failure caused the window breach.

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The plane departed from Thessaloniki Airport on Friday morning before being forced to return.

Overview

  • A Malta Air-operated Ryanair flight to Memmingen turned back and landed safely in Thessaloniki after a cabin window dislodged shortly after takeoff, according to the airline and flight-tracking records.
  • The dislodged window caused rapid cabin depressurization and oxygen masks to deploy while a 61-year-old Serbian passenger was partially pulled through the opening and was held and pulled back by his wife and other travellers.
  • The injured passenger was taken to hospital with reported neck and shoulder injuries and friction burns and several other people were checked as a precaution; Ryanair arranged a replacement aircraft to continue the journey.
  • Greek aviation investigators are leading the inquiry and the grounded aircraft remains in Thessaloniki, with the FAA, NTSB and Boeing notified and offering technical support as investigators examine the engine, airframe and flight data.
  • Preliminary media and airport reports suggest engine debris may have struck the window but that explanation is unconfirmed, and the episode raises scrutiny of older 737 NG equipment and maintenance as authorities complete a forensic review.