The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report regarding a harrowing aviation incident that occurred on July 10. According to the report, metal debris detached from the aircraft's right engine during flight, striking the cabin window and shattering the glass.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the resulting pressure differential created a dangerous situation for one of the passengers, identified as Serbian citizen Lyubisa Karovic. The force of the depressurization pulled his head and right shoulder toward the broken window. The injured passenger was saved by his wife, Svetlana Grkovic Maksimovic, and two other passengers who managed to hold onto his legs and pull him back into the cabin.
According to the flight crew, a warning regarding strong engine vibration was received shortly after takeoff. The crew immediately reduced engine power to assess the situation. Although the vibration ceased and the aircraft continued to fly on autopilot, the crew soon heard a violent explosion. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the pilots declared an emergency and decided to return to the departure airport.
The cabin crew reported smelling smoke before oxygen masks were deployed. Upon discovering the passenger trapped against the broken window, the crew immediately requested emergency medical assistance. The aircraft landed safely at Thessaloniki International Airport, where it had originally departed.
Aviation safety incidents involving engine failures and structural damage are subject to rigorous investigation by bodies like the NTSB. Such investigations aim to identify mechanical faults and improve safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in commercial aviation.
