SEATTLE, Washington – Prosecutors in the United States have launched a criminal investigation into a mid-flight incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX operated by Alaska Airlines. The January 5 blowout incident, in which part of the fuselage tore off during flight, has raised concerns and placed Boeing’s safety record under increased scrutiny.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly spoken with witnesses, including aircrew members, as part of the investigation. Alaska Airlines has assured full cooperation with authorities regarding the incident. In a statement, the airline stated that it does not believe it is the target of the DOJ’s investigation.
Meanwhile, Boeing has refrained from commenting on the ongoing probe. This incident adds to the aviation giant’s troubles following the fatal crashes involving the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2018 and 2019.
In light of recent events, the DOJ’s investigation will play a crucial role in determining if Boeing has upheld the conditions of a $2.5 billion settlement agreement to avoid prosecution related to the prior crashes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also identified issues with Boeing’s manufacturing processes, parts handling, and storage, prompting the aircraft manufacturer to address these concerns within 90 days.
Moreover, a separate FAA report released before the blowout incident highlighted significant safety culture deficiencies within Boeing, including employees’ fears of reprisal for raising safety concerns. Boeing’s difficulty locating records for the work on the panel that detached from the Alaska Airlines plane has added to the scrutiny surrounding the incident.
Overall, the investigation into the mid-flight blowout incident involving the Boeing 737 MAX operated by Alaska Airlines serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing aviation safety and oversight, as authorities and industry stakeholders strive to ensure the highest standards of safety and compliance.