Passengers aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which suffered a terrifying mid-air door blowout in January, have received chilling letters from the FBI: they might be official crime victims in an ongoing probe. The agency confirmed its criminal investigation into the Boeing 737 MAX 9 incident is advancing, though details remain under wraps.
Between Safety and Scrutiny
The January 5 emergency saw a \"door plug\" panel tear off mid-flight at 16,000 feet, leaving a gaping hole in the jet. While all 177 onboard survived, the National Transportation Safety Board later found four critical bolts missing – bolts Boeing admits were never properly documented.
Boeing's Turbulent Timeline
This isn't Boeing's first rodeo. The Justice Department's probe follows its controversial 2021 deferred prosecution deal over two fatal 737 MAX 8 crashes (2018-2019), which families say sidelined their rights. Now, the FAA has grounded MAX 9s, frozen production hikes, and demanded a 90-day quality overhaul.
What's Next?
Boeing claims it's cooperating \"transparently,\" while Alaska Airlines says it's not the investigation's target. For passengers? A waiting game – the FBI warns criminal cases can be \"lengthy.\" Meanwhile, aviation regulators scramble to ensure safety as travelers side-eye Boeing's next move.
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Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 passengers may be crime victims: FBI
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