A Ryanair passenger was almost sucked out of a plane window mid-flight after an engine failure shattered the acrylic pane, and his wife’s quick thinking saved his life. The terrifying incident occurred on a flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen, operated by Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air, when the aircraft suddenly dropped 9,000 feet. Svetlana Grković, wife of 61-year-old Ljubisa Karović, recounted how she grabbed his legs as his upper torso was thrust outside, thinking, “If we die, we die together.”
How the Ryanair Passenger Was Almost Sucked Out
The couple had been airborne for only 10 minutes when an engine failure caused parts to smash the window next to Karović’s seat. He was sucked out headfirst, with half his body protruding into the slipstream. Grković and two other passengers held onto his legs for two minutes, pulling him back inside after he lost consciousness three times. The cabin decompressed, oxygen masks dropped, and many passengers fled their seats in panic.
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Injuries and Aftermath
Karović remains hospitalized in Greece with serious injuries, including severe burns on his hand and ongoing shock. He has no memory of the event. Grković expressed gratitude to an Albanian man and a woman who helped her, saying, “I would like to meet him, to thank him personally again.” Tracking data shows the plane descended rapidly, and passengers initially believed the aircraft was going down.
Key Safety Lessons from the Incident
- Always keep your seatbelt fastened while seated, even if the sign is off.
- Stay calm during decompression and follow crew instructions to use oxygen masks.
- Help fellow passengers in emergencies—teamwork can save lives.
- Choose airlines with strong safety records and modern aircraft.
Comparison: Window Strength in Modern Aircraft
| Aircraft Type | Window Material | Pressure Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737 | Acrylic | High (up to 12 psi) |
| Airbus A320 | Polycarbonate | Very High (up to 14 psi) |
| Embraer E190 | Acrylic | High (up to 11 psi) |
While modern windows are designed to withstand extreme pressure, debris impact can still cause catastrophic failure. This incident underscores the importance of robust maintenance protocols.
FAQ
How did the Ryanair passenger almost get sucked out of the window?
An engine failure caused debris to shatter the acrylic window, creating a pressure differential that pulled Karović headfirst out of the plane. His wife and other passengers held his legs until he could be pulled back inside.
What injuries did the passenger sustain?
Karović suffered severe burns on his hand, shock, and loss of consciousness three times. He remains hospitalized and has no memory of the event.
What safety measures can prevent such incidents?
Keeping seatbelts fastened, following crew instructions during decompression, and ensuring aircraft maintenance standards are high can reduce risks. Passengers should also remain calm and assist others.
This harrowing event reminds us of the importance of air travel safety and preparedness. Shop premium products at GrandGoldman.com
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