Preliminary Report: Gulfstream loses window in flight

Gulfstream III, Farmingdale, N.Y., March 10, 2010–Soon after takeoff from Republic Airport (FRG), while climbing through 35,000 msl en route to Stuart, Fla., the crew of the GIII reported hearing a sound similar to a compressor stall, followed by a loss of power on the right engine. The pilot-in-command declared an emergency and initiated an in-flight engine shutdown. The flight attendant then informed him that the number-four outer window pane on the right side of the fuselage had separated from the airframe; it was believed to have been ingested by the engine. The twinjet received clearance to return to FRG and made an uneventful landing. There were no injuries to the five people on board. The FAA is examining the aircraft; the NTSB is examining debris from the window.