Not True, But Apparently Plausible, For Infamous Cost-Cutter Ryanair

Passengers on a recent Ryanair flight thought the airline's cost-cutting had gone a bit too far when they saw their 737 having what looked like duct tape applied to the cockpit windscreen. Given the image Ryanair has cultivated for itself, with proposals such as pay toilets on planes and creating special new seats to allow standing on flights, the use of duct tape on a plane probably fit right in.

The plane departed London Stanstead for Latvia, but had to turn back after what passengers described as "disturbing noises." Passenger Anthony Neal told the Sun the pilot "said due to damage on the windscreen, we were going to have to turn back."

Salon.com reports it was not duct tape, but aluminum speed tape, and it was not a repair, but covering a windscreen sealant which had not yet completely cured.

The Irish Aviation Authority tells MyFoxNY it has completed its probe of the incident. Ryanair says only, "We do not comment on routine technical issues. All Ryanair flights operate in accordance with approved safety standards."

FMI: www.ryanair.com