Passengers on an Alaska Airlines flight that lost a door-plug panel in midflight have been informed by the FBI that they may be victims of a crime.
The FBI contacted the passengers, stating that the case is currently under investigation and that they have been identified as possible victims.
The backstory: On Jan. 5, and Alaska Airlines flight was flying over Oregon when a panel blew out of the Boeing 737 Max jet, causing a rapid loss in cabin pressure and forcing oxygen masks to be deployed.
- The plane was able to land safely in Portland, Oregon, and no serious injuries were reported among the 171 passengers and six crew members.
- Investigators have discovered that four bolts securing the panel were missing, suggesting they were not properly installed at a Boeing factory in Renton, Washington.
- The incident has prompted a criminal investigation by the U.S. Justice Department to determine if the panel blowout violated the terms of a 2021 settlement that Boeing reached regarding the 737 Max.
The big picture: Passengers on the Alaska Airlines flight have received a letter from the FBI providing contact information for any questions or concerns they may have.
- The FBI letter did not mention Boeing specifically, but Alaska Airlines has stated that they are fully cooperating and do not believe they are a target of the investigation.
- The National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Justice Department are all conducting separate investigations into Boeing.
