‘I looked at death’: Ryanair passenger reveals horror after window failure at 20,000 feet
Ryanair plane made emergency landing in Greece after terrifying mid-air window failure. Image Credit: The News International
A Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany turned into a scene of terror after a passenger was partially sucked out of the aircraft when a window reportedly failed at high altitude.
The shocking incident, which occurred on July 9 during a flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen near Munich, has sparked international concern over airline safety procedures and triggered an investigation led by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Passenger Ljubiša Karović, 61, survived the ordeal but suffered serious injuries after being pulled toward the shattered window while the aircraft was flying at around 20,000 feet.
How the Ryanair Window Failure Happened
According to reports, passengers heard what was described as an “explosion” before cabin pressure suddenly dropped and oxygen masks descended from the ceiling.
Karović said the force of the decompression partially pulled him out of the aircraft.
“I fainted several times,” he reportedly said after being discharged from hospital. “My face became swollen because of the pressure and the rush of air.”
Witnesses claimed the Serbian passenger remained trapped with his head and arm outside the aircraft for up to two minutes while fellow passengers desperately tried to pull him back into the cabin.
One passenger reportedly attempted to block the opening with a bag, which was immediately sucked out, before using a suitcase to reduce airflow.
Wife and Passengers Credited With Saving His Life
Karović’s wife, Svetlana Grković, who was seated several rows behind him, rushed to assist her husband after hearing the loud bang.
She later alleged that fellow passengers, rather than cabin crew members, played the crucial role in saving his life.
According to her account, passengers grabbed Karović’s legs and prevented him from being completely ejected from the aircraft.
An unnamed passenger reportedly remained by his side throughout the emergency and helped secure the damaged section until the plane descended to a safer altitude.
The family has publicly thanked those passengers, calling them heroes.
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Ryanair Defends Crew Response
Ryanair has rejected claims that its crew failed to act appropriately.
The airline stated that once the aircraft descended, crew members moved Karović to another seat beside his wife and arranged for a doctor on board to assist him until landing.
Medical personnel were also reportedly waiting when the aircraft safely returned to Thessaloniki.
The airline has since launched a formal investigation into the incident.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary reportedly said preliminary findings suggest the aircraft may have been struck by a foreign object, though investigators have yet to confirm the cause.
International Investigation Underway
Initially investigated by Greek authorities, the case has now reportedly been taken over by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Investigators are expected to examine:
- The exact cause of the window failure
- Whether structural damage occurred before takeoff
- Maintenance records of the aircraft
- Emergency procedures followed by crew members
- Passenger accounts and cockpit communications
A preliminary report is expected within weeks.
Aviation experts note that complete window failures on commercial aircraft are extremely rare because passenger windows are built with multiple protective layers and undergo rigorous testing.
Passenger Faces Long Recovery
Karović was recently discharged from hospital but continues to suffer from neck, shoulder and soft tissue injuries.
Doctors have instructed him to wear a neck brace for at least six weeks, and surgery remains a possibility depending on his recovery.
Speaking after the incident, he urged travellers to always wear their seatbelts.
“I am lucky to be alive,” he said, adding that the seatbelt may have prevented a far more tragic outcome.
The incident has reignited discussions about airline safety, aircraft maintenance and emergency preparedness aboard commercial flights.
FAQ
What happened on the Ryanair flight?
A passenger was partially sucked toward a broken window after a sudden cabin decompression during a Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany.
Who was the passenger involved?
The passenger was identified as Ljubiša Karović, a 61-year-old Serbian national.
Did the passenger get sucked out of the plane?
No. He was reportedly pulled partially outside the aircraft from the chest upward but remained restrained and was pulled back inside by passengers.
How high was the plane flying?
Reports indicate the aircraft was flying at approximately 20,000 feet when the incident occurred.
What caused the window to fail?
The exact cause remains unknown. Preliminary reports suggest a possible impact from a foreign object, but investigators have not confirmed this.
Did Ryanair make an emergency landing?
The aircraft returned safely to Thessaloniki, where medical teams attended to the injured passenger.
Was anyone else injured?
No other serious injuries have been reported.
Did cabin crew respond properly?
There are conflicting accounts. The passenger’s wife claimed fellow passengers saved him, while Ryanair maintains that crew members followed procedures and provided assistance after the aircraft descended.
Who is investigating the incident?
The investigation is reportedly being led by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) alongside other aviation authorities.
How rare are airplane window failures?
Such incidents are extremely rare. Commercial aircraft windows are designed with multiple layers and strict safety standards.
Is it possible to be sucked out of an airplane?
Complete ejection is uncommon, especially for passengers wearing seatbelts. Rapid decompression can create powerful airflow that can pull loose objects and individuals toward openings.
Is flying still safe?
Aviation remains one of the safest forms of transportation globally. Incidents like this are rare and often lead to additional safety reviews and improvements.
Could seatbelts have saved the passenger?
Experts believe the fact that the passenger was restrained may have significantly reduced the severity of the incident and possibly saved his life.