Ryanair Boeing 737 flew four sectors after undetected engine nacelle strike in Faro

Portuguese investigators have confirmed that a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 operated for around 24 hours and completed four passenger flights with undetected engine nacelle damage following a landing incident at Faro Airport on 15 November 2025.

The aircraft, registered EI-ENG and operating flight FR5139 from Milan Bergamo, was conducting an ILS approach to runway 28 amid thunderstorms and crosswinds. Flight data shows a firm touchdown of 1.69G, accompanied by significant aileron inputs during the flare. After an initial touchdown, the left main landing gear briefly bounced, causing the aircraft to roll approximately nine degrees to the right. During this roll, the underside of the right-hand engine nacelle contacted the runway surface.

Despite the pod strike, the aircraft decelerated normally and taxied to the apron without apparent abnormalities. The flight crew did not consider the landing to be hard, and all aircraft systems were operating normally. With no cockpit indications and no obvious signs during the post-flight walkaround, the aircraft was released back into service.

Over the following day, EI-ENG operated four additional sectors. Neither flight crews nor engineers conducting a ramp inspection on the evening of 15 November identified the damage. Investigators noted that the affected area of the 737 nacelle sits very low to the ground, making underside damage difficult to detect without a more detailed inspection.

The damage was discovered the following day during a subsequent check, after which Ryanair declared the aircraft AOG in Faro. The aircraft remained grounded until 22 November while repairs and inspections were completed.

Portugal’s investigation authority (GPIAA) stated that the occurrence highlights the challenges of visual inspections in hard-to-see areas and underscores the importance of continuous airworthiness assessment and strict adherence to inspection programmes, even when crews do not perceive a landing as abnormal. Ryanair has carried out an internal investigation and implemented mitigation measures, though these have not been publicly detailed.