NTSB Leads Investigation Into Ryanair Boeing 737 Engine Failure Over Greece

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced that it will lead the investigation into a Ryanair Boeing 737 NG engine failure that occurred over Greece last week after Greek authorities delegated responsibility for the probe to the U.S. agency.

The incident took place on Friday shortly after the Ryanair aircraft departed from Thessaloniki. According to officials, the Boeing 737 NG suffered an engine failure during the initial phase of the flight. Investigators said a section of the engine detached and struck one of the aircraft’s windows, creating a dangerous situation inside the cabin.

The impact reportedly caused a window to fail, partially pulling a passenger toward the opening. The aircraft also experienced a loss of cabin pressure following the engine malfunction, prompting the flight crew to declare an emergency and return to Thessaloniki Airport.

Pilots safely landed the aircraft without further incident, and emergency responders were on hand after the plane touched down. Authorities have not released details about the condition of the affected passenger or whether anyone else sustained injuries.

The NTSB’s involvement is expected to focus on determining the cause of the engine failure, examining whether mechanical issues, maintenance practices, or other factors contributed to the incident. The findings could have broader implications for operators of Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft worldwide.

The Ryanair event has also renewed attention on recent engine-related incidents involving Boeing 737 NG aircraft. Two earlier Southwest Airlines flights reportedly experienced engine problems, raising questions about the reliability of certain engine components and whether additional inspections or safety measures may be required.

As investigators analyze the damaged aircraft and review flight data, aviation regulators and airlines will closely monitor the results for any safety recommendations. The investigation is expected to provide greater clarity on the cause of the failure and help determine whether further action is needed to enhance the safety of Boeing 737 NG operations.