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Apparent engine fan blade failure preceded rupture of Ryanair 737 window
The Air Current • • business
Key Points:
- A Ryanair Boeing 737-800 experienced a window rupture following an apparent failure of a fan blade in its right engine, a CFM International CFM56-7B, shortly after departing Thessaloniki Airport in Greece.
- Fan blade failures are rare but serious, with previous incidents on Southwest Airlines flights prompting FAA directives to improve inspections and engine inlet designs, with compliance required by July 31, 2028.
- The aircraft safely returned to the airport after the incident, with one passenger receiving medical attention after being partially sucked out of the plane.
- The NTSB is assisting the investigation alongside the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Committee of North Macedonia, with technical support from the FAA, Boeing, and GE Aerospace.
- Both CFM and Boeing have expressed support for the investigation and concern for those affected, emphasizing safety as a top priority.
