DOJ Launches Criminal Investigation into Alaska Airlines and Boeing Over Plane Door Blowout

The Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into the door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight in January, contacting passengers and interviewing crew members. The incident involved a Boeing 737 Max 9 plane, prompting a temporary grounding of some aircraft. Investigators are examining whether Boeing complied with a previous settlement following the 2018 and 2019 737 Max 8 crashes. The DOJ could prosecute Boeing for violating the terms of the settlement, potentially extending a probationary agreement. Several passengers have filed lawsuits against Alaska Airlines and Boeing, alleging negligence and seeking accountability. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration found manufacturing quality control failures in an audit of Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems.