Recently, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Justice Department has initiated a criminal investigation into the Alaska Airlines incident that occurred two months ago. The incident involved a door panel blowing out mid-air during Flight 1282 on January 5th, which was en route to Ontario, California from Portland, Oregon. This prompted an emergency landing due to a section of the plane ripping off midair. Passengers, pilots, and flight attendants have been contacted for information regarding the incident.
The investigation is also said to be part of a review to determine whether Boeing complied with a previous settlement from a federal investigation into two fatal 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019. Alaska Airlines spokesperson stated that it is common for the DOJ to conduct an investigation in such cases and that the airline is fully cooperating. However, there is no confirmation yet on whether Alaska Airlines is a specific target of the investigation. Both Boeing and the DOJ have yet to comment on the matter.
Boeing 737 Max 9 planes operated by Alaska Airlines have resumed regular service after undergoing inspections following the incident. In January, Alaska and United Airlines, the only two U.S. carriers flying the Max 9, had to cancel numerous flights due to the grounding of these aircraft. The grounding was necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and to address any potential issues that may have caused the door panel to blow out during Flight 1282.
Three passengers have filed a lawsuit against Boeing and Alaska Airlines, seeking $1 billion in damages. They claim negligence on the part of both companies for allegedly ignoring warning signs that could have prevented the incident. Alaska Airlines has estimated that the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max 9 will cost the airline $150 million due to the weeks-long hiatus in service. This loss adds to the financial strain that many airlines have experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The criminal investigation by the Justice Department into the Alaska Airlines incident highlights the importance of maintaining safety and compliance standards in the aviation industry. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for both Boeing and Alaska Airlines, as well as for the passengers who rely on these carriers for safe and reliable transportation. It is crucial for all parties involved to cooperate fully and transparently to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.
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