Overview
- A Ryanair-operated Boeing 737-800 on the morning flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen experienced a loud bang and a passenger window came loose, causing a rapid loss of cabin pressure.
- Fellow travellers and crew prevented a worse outcome by holding and pulling a 61-year-old passenger back into the cabin after his head and shoulders were drawn through the broken window.
- The aircraft returned to Thessaloniki, the injured passenger was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening wounds, and a replacement plane later flew the other travellers to Memmingen.
- Investigators have opened inquiries and are considering multiple causes including a possible piece of engine or turbine debris striking the fuselage, while tracking data show the same aircraft made an unscheduled return the previous day.
- Aviation experts note sudden depressurization is driven by the large pressure difference between cabin and outside air and say the incident underscores the importance of wearing seat belts and of regulators reviewing maintenance and engine parts if debris is confirmed.