The US Justice Department Investigates Boeing Door Plug Blowout Incident

The US Justice Department has initiated an investigation into the midair blowout of a Boeing 737-9 door plug on an Alaska Air flight last month. The incident has prompted scrutiny as it could potentially expose Boeing to criminal prosecution, according to a knowledgeable source.

The DOJ is examining whether this incident breaches the government’s deferred-prosecution agreement with Boeing from 2021, which stemmed from two previous fatal crashes involving its 737 Max jetliner. If prosecutors determine that the door plug blowout constitutes a violation of this agreement, Boeing could face criminal liability.

The incident occurred on January 5, just before the expiration of the deferred-prosecution agreement. Boeing agreed to adopt a compliance program aimed at preventing deception of regulators, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as part of the $2.5 billion settlement. This program was to be upheld for a three-year period, after which the charges would be dismissed.

Boeing has faced increased scrutiny following the incident, with regulators demanding a plan to address what they termed “systemic” quality-control issues within 90 days. Additionally, a recent report mandated by Congress highlighted shortcomings in Boeing’s safety culture, indicating that measures taken after the 737 Max crashes had not been effective.

The Justice Department’s review is being managed by the fraud section alongside the US attorney’s office in Seattle, close to Boeing’s Renton production facility.

Notably, Boeing has previously faced criticism over the 2021 deferred-prosecution agreement, which absolved senior executives from responsibility for the 737 Max crashes that claimed 346 lives. The agreement sparked intense backlash, particularly from victims’ families.

While aviation accident investigations typically do not result in criminal charges in the US, a criminal probe could potentially disrupt or delay the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation into the door plug incident. Cooperation from witnesses, crucial for the NTSB’s fact-gathering mission, might also be impacted if they are involved in a criminal investigation.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, bloomberg.com