US investigators explain Ryanair flight incident: broken engine parts caused shattered window

A passenger was partially sucked out of an aircraft through a shattered window during a Ryanair flight last month. US investigators have now said the window was broken by detached parts of a failed engine.

Investigators reached the conclusion after examining the circumstances of the incident. The broken engine components apparently separated from the engine and struck the window, shattering it. The force of the event pulled the passenger partway through the opening, indicating a strong pressure difference between the cabin and the outside air. Specific details about the passenger's condition or injuries have not been released.

The finding raises important questions about aviation safety, particularly regarding engine maintenance and operational risks. Although such incidents are rare, they show that worn or failing engine parts can threaten not only the engine itself but also the structural integrity of the aircraft. Investigators are continuing their work to identify all factors that may have contributed to the detachment.

The US investigators' statement is the only official information so far about the cause of the incident. Further details, including the specific flight, route and number of passengers, have not been disclosed. Aviation safety experts are studying the event to understand why the engine parts broke and whether additional inspections are needed for similar aircraft types.