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FBI Investigates Potential Crime in Alaska Airlines Mid-Air Blowout

Passengers of the January 5 Alaska Airlines flight may be crime victims, the FBI says, as it probes Boeing's compliance with safety regulations.

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Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Boeing 737-9 MAX on Jan. 7, 2024 in Portland, Ore.
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Overview

  • The FBI has informed passengers of the Alaska Airlines flight that experienced a mid-air blowout on January 5 that they might be victims of a crime.
  • Boeing's 737 MAX 9 plane was forced to make an emergency landing after a door plug panel blew out, leaving a gaping hole in the fuselage.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board found that the plane left Boeing's factory missing key bolts designed to secure the door plug.
  • The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into whether Boeing violated the terms of a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement.
  • Boeing and the FBI declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, while Alaska Airlines stated it is fully cooperating.