Unraveling the Investigation: FBI’s Alert to Passengers of Potential Crime in Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 Emergency
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued letters to passengers aboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9, alerting them to the possibility of being victims of a crime following a mid-air emergency on January 5. This development, revealed through letters seen by Reuters, signifies progress in the FBI’s investigation into the incident.
According to the letters dated Tuesday, the FBI has identified the passengers “as a possible victim of a crime.” While details of the investigation remain undisclosed due to the sensitive nature of criminal probes, the letters serve as a procedural step in Justice Department investigations.
The Seattle Times previously reported on the contents of these letters. However, an FBI spokesperson in Seattle refrained from commenting, adhering to Justice Department policy, which neither confirms nor denies the existence of ongoing investigations.
The Justice Department’s action comes in the wake of updated guidelines implemented in 2022, aimed at ensuring transparency in cases involving potential crimes. This move follows grievances voiced by relatives of victims in previous aviation incidents, including the Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashes of 2018 and 2019.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft involved, has yet to provide a statement on the matter. Nonetheless, the company has reiterated its commitment to cooperating fully with government investigations.
Alaska Airlines, on the other hand, affirmed its cooperation with authorities while asserting that it does not consider itself the focus of the probe.
The mid-air emergency, which occurred at 16,000 feet, resulted in the detachment of a door plug panel from the MAX 9 jet, creating a sizable hole in the aircraft. Despite the alarming situation, the plane managed to land safely with all passengers and crew unharmed, albeit with Alaska Airlines minor injuries sustained by a few individuals.
Investigations conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed the absence of four crucial bolts from the aircraft, which Boeing had delivered months earlier. Boeing stated that it had no documentation regarding the removal of these bolts.
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took Alaska Airlines swift action, grounding the MAX 9 temporarily and imposing restrictions on Boeing’s production rate. Additionally, Boeing was tasked with devising a comprehensive plan to address underlying quality-control issues within a stipulated timeframe.
As the investigation progresses, passengers await further updates regarding the circumstances surrounding the mid-air emergency and the potential criminal implications thereof.
