FBI informs Alaska Airlines passengers of potential crime victim status after Boeing 737 Max incident

On January 5, 2024, passengers on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max were informed by the FBI that they may be victims of a crime due to a door-plug panel blowing out midflight. The aircraft was at 16,000 feet over Oregon when the panel's loss caused a rapid drop in cabin pressure, triggering the deployment of oxygen masks and creating panic among passengers. Investigators later discovered that four bolts, which were supposed to secure the panel, were missing after maintenance at a Boeing factory. This incident has prompted a criminal investigation by the U. S.

Justice Department to determine if it violates a 2021 settlement that allowed Boeing to avoid prosecution for previous regulatory misconduct. Thankfully, all 171 passengers and six crew members landed safely in Portland, with no serious injuries reported. The FBI's communication included resources for passengers to voice their concerns and questions about the ongoing investigation. This incident highlights significant safety and regulatory compliance issues surrounding Boeing, particularly given the company's troubled history with the 737 Max model. As investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration proceed, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety in the airline industry.