The Justice Department is currently investigating the Alaska Airlines door blowout incident that occurred on Jan. 5 and whether it could potentially impact the deferred prosecution agreement that Boeing entered into with the Justice Department in 2021. This agreement stemmed from criminal charges related to 737 Max crashes, with Boeing agreeing not to violate any laws or terms of the agreement. The Justice Department is reviewing whether Boeing complied with these terms, with the Alaska Airlines incident falling within the time period covered by the deferred prosecution agreement. Both Boeing and the Justice Department have declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
In January 2021, Boeing settled a criminal charge by agreeing to pay $2.5 billion in connection with two deadly crashes of 737 Max aircraft in 2017 and 2018 that resulted in the deaths of 346 individuals. In the event of a violation of a deferred prosecution agreement, federal prosecutors can bring criminal charges if deemed appropriate. It remains unclear whether the Justice Department has reached any conclusions regarding this case, but the investigation continues. National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy hinted at the ongoing review, stating that the Justice Department is conducting its own separate investigation.
On the night of Jan. 5, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 experienced a door plug blowout just minutes after taking off from Portland, Oregon, en route to Ontario, California. The Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft was able to safely return to Portland International Airport, with minor injuries reported among passengers and crew, but no serious harm. The missing emergency door plug on the Boeing 737 Max 9 was covered and taped following the incident. This occurrence has prompted the Justice Department’s investigation into whether there were any factors leading up to the incident that could affect Boeing’s deferred prosecution agreement.
The investigation into the Alaska Airlines door blowout incident highlights the importance of compliance with deferred prosecution agreements and whether any violations could void the terms of the agreement. Boeing’s agreement in 2021 was a result of the significant impact of the 737 Max crashes, and any potential violations could have serious legal consequences. The ongoing review by the Justice Department underscores the need for thorough investigations into incidents involving major aircraft manufacturers to ensure accountability and safety for passengers and crew. Both Boeing and the Justice Department will continue to cooperate in the investigation process to determine the implications of the Alaska Airlines incident on Boeing’s deferred prosecution agreement.
