Preliminary Report Released on Ryanair Engine Failure
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary investigation report into an engine failure that occurred on a Thessaloniki–Memmingen flight operated on behalf of Ryanair.
According to the preliminary report, the incident occurred on July 10, 2026, when a fan blade separated from the No. 2 engine of the Boeing 737-8AS, operated by Malta Air, during the climb after departure.
Some of the separated debris damaged the aircraft’s fuselage, resulting in a loss of cabin pressure. The flight crew subsequently returned to Thessaloniki Airport and carried out an emergency landing.
There were 149 passengers, four cabin crew members and two pilots on board. One passenger was reported to have sustained serious injuries.
The NTSB stressed that the information contained in the preliminary report is subject to change as the investigation progresses. The investigation to determine the probable cause of the incident remains ongoing.
