The FBI, in its investigation into the mid-air door-plug panel blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max, has determined that the passengers are likely victims of a crime.
Victim specialists from the Seattle office of the federal agency sent letters to the passengers this week, identifying them as potential victims of a crime and informing them of the ongoing investigation. The letters, a standard procedural step in the Justice Department’s criminal investigations, indicate progress in the MAX 9 emergency investigation.
Dated March 19, the letters informed recipients that a criminal investigation is underway but provided no details on its progress due to its potentially lengthy nature. Recipients were provided with a phone number, email address, case number, and personal identification number to communicate their concerns and questions.
Notably, the FBI did not mention Boeing in the letters. Alaska Airlines stated its full cooperation with the investigation, asserting that it does not perceive itself as a target.
While the Justice Department, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board conduct separate investigations into Boeing, Lindquist, a spokesperson, welcomed the Justice Department’s involvement. He emphasized the pursuit of accountability, answers, and enhanced aircraft safety for the flying public.
The incident occurred on January 5 when the aircraft, flying at 16,000 feet over Oregon, experienced a door-plug panel blowout, resulting in a significant hole in the aircraft’s side and rapid cabin pressure loss. Despite the ordeal, the pilots managed to safely land the flight in Portland, Oregon, and none of the 171 passengers and six crew members sustained injuries.
Investigators discovered that four bolts securing the panel were missing following a Boeing factory inspection in Renton, Washington.
