FBI Notifies Passengers of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 of Possible Crime Victim Status
Passengers aboard the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 flight, which encountered a harrowing midair blowout in January, have received correspondence from the FBI stating that they may be regarded as “victims of a crime.”
Attorney Mark Lindquist, representing several passengers from the flight, disclosed to CNN that the FBI office in Seattle dispatched letters to passengers on Tuesday, asserting their potential victim status and the ongoing FBI investigation into the incident.
“We welcome the DOJ investigation,” Lindquist emphasized, underscoring the pursuit of accountability, answers, and enhanced Boeing aircraft safety.
Attorney Robert Clifford, representing families affected by the 2019 Ethiopian Air crash and some passengers of the Alaska Airlines flight, confirmed that his clients also received similar notification letters from the FBI.
In parallel with the passenger notifications, flight attendants from Alaska Air Flight 1282 have undergone questioning by Justice Department investigators, sources familiar with the matter disclosed.
While the FBI refrained from confirming or denying the existence of an investigation, the Justice Department initiated a probe into the incident and Boeing in February. This development could impact Boeing’s prior deferred prosecution agreement with the Justice Department, exposing it to potential criminal charges related to the Alaska Air incident and preceding allegations of misconduct.
The incident occurred on January 5, involving 171 passengers and six crew members en route from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California. Following a sudden panel blowout known as the “door plug” detachment, pilots executed an emergency landing.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the jet, delivered to Alaska by Boeing, departed the factory without the necessary bolts to secure the door plug, an issue still under NTSB scrutiny. The FAA, after an audit, identified production deficiencies at Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun acknowledged the company’s responsibility and forthcoming financial repercussions during a recent investor briefing, coinciding with Boeing’s announcement of substantial first-quarter losses related to the Alaska Airlines incident.
The losses, partly attributed to compensation for affected airlines and production slowdowns, reflect ongoing challenges faced by Boeing in the aftermath of the midair blowout incident.
