FBI Notifies Alaska Airlines Passengers of Potential Criminal Activity

Passengers who were on the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 during the midair blowout incident in January have received a letter from the FBI. Attorney Mark Lindquist, who is representing several passengers from flight 1282, shared the letter with CNN. The FBI office in Seattle sent the letter to the passengers on Tuesday, stating that they may be victims of a crime.

We believe you may have been a victim of a crime, as stated in the letter. The FBI is looking into the case.

According to the FBI Seattle’s Public Affairs Office, they cannot confirm or deny any ongoing investigation, following Department of Justice policy.

Boeing has been contacted by CNN for a comment.

171 passengers and six crew members took off from Portland, Oregon on January 5, headed to Ontario, California. Shortly after departure, a section of the plane's fuselage known as the "door plug" suddenly detached, leading the pilots to perform an emergency landing.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) began investigating the incident involving Boeing in February, as reported by CNN. Recently, subpoenas were issued for documents and information related to Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems Holdings. A report from Bloomberg mentioned the "door plug" used in the Boeing 737 Max 9s.

Passengers were on a United Airlines flight departing from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, New Jersey, US, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. The TSA anticipates that travel volumes during the busy spring break season will be nearly 6% higher than in 2023.

Bing Guan/Bloomberg/Getty Images

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Lindquist told CNN that he and his clients are in favor of the DOJ investigation. They are seeking accountability, answers, and most importantly, safer Boeing planes. Lindquist believes that a DOJ investigation will help in achieving these goals.

CNN has contacted several other lawyers who are representing passengers on the flight.

This news comes in the same week that Boeing announced it will be facing significant financial losses in the first quarter due to the Alaska Airlines incident.

The losses will be partially due to compensating airlines that owned the grounded Max 9, which was out of service for three weeks following the incident. Alaska Air CEO Ben Minicucci informed investors last month that the airline incurred around $150 million in costs due to the incident, but expects to receive compensation from Boeing for these losses.

Chief Financial Officer Brian West mentioned on Wednesday that additional contributors to the losses will include the various adjustments being made around the factory. These adjustments have resulted in slower production at the 737 Max plant located in Renton, Washington.

Editor's P/S:

The FBI's letter to passengers of the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, which experienced a midair blowout incident in January, is a significant development in the ongoing investigation. The letter suggests that the FBI believes passengers may have been victims of a crime, highlighting the seriousness of the incident and the potential legal implications for Boeing. The investigation by the Department of Justice, which began in February and recently issued subpoenas for documents related to Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, further underscores the determination to hold responsible parties accountable.

The investigation and the potential criminal implications for Boeing raise important questions about the safety of the 737 Max 9 and the company's responsibility in ensuring the well-being of passengers. The incident has already resulted in significant financial losses for Boeing, with airlines seeking compensation for grounded aircraft and passengers expressing concerns about the safety of the plane. The outcome of the investigation and any legal proceedings will have far-reaching implications for Boeing, the aviation industry, and the trust that passengers place in aircraft manufacturers.