Ryanair Launches International Probe After 61-Year-Old Was Nearly Sucked Through 737 Window
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 16
Ryanair Launches International Probe After 61-Year-Old Was Nearly Sucked Through 737 Window
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 16
Summary
Two minutes of struggle left 61-year-old Ljubisa Karović seriously injured after a cabin window blew out and his head and right shoulder were pulled outside the Ryanair jet, his wife said.
About 10 minutes after takeoff from Thessaloniki, the Boeing 737-800 dropped 9,000 feet and returned to land after rapid decompression; passengers reported an explosion-like sound and breathing difficulty.
A family-appointed technical adviser said the right engine likely failed and sent debris into the window, but investigators have not confirmed that account.
Greek authorities are leading the inquiry, with Boeing, the U.S. FAA and EASA assisting because the U.S.-built aircraft was flying in North Macedonian airspace.
Karović remains hospitalized with burns, hand injuries and trauma, while his wife said both are struggling psychologically and may never fly again.