DOJ Opens Criminal Investigation Into Alaska Airlines Boeing Incident

TLDRThe Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into the mid-air blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines flight involving a Boeing 737 MAX 9. The investigation focuses on a door plug that ripped off during the flight, leading to an emergency landing. The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the removal of four bolts from the door plug and has demanded production documents and information from Boeing. Boeing has yet to comply with the request.

Key insights

1️⃣The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the mid-air blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines flight involving a Boeing 737 MAX 9.

2️⃣The investigation focuses on a door plug that ripped off during the flight, leading to an emergency landing.

3️⃣The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the removal of four bolts from the door plug.

4️⃣Boeing has been asked to provide production documents and information related to the incident but has not yet complied.

5️⃣If Boeing is found to be non-cooperative in the investigation, they could be prosecuted for conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Q&A

What is the Department of Justice investigating?

—The Department of Justice is investigating the mid-air blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines flight involving a Boeing 737 MAX 9.

What caused the emergency landing?

—The emergency landing was caused by a door plug that ripped off during the flight.

What is the NTSB investigating?

—The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the removal of four bolts from the door plug.

Has Boeing provided the requested documents and information?

—No, Boeing has not yet complied with the request to provide production documents and information related to the incident.

What could happen if Boeing is found to be non-cooperative?

—If Boeing is found to be non-cooperative in the investigation, they could be prosecuted for conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the mid-air blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines flight involving a Boeing 737 MAX 9.

00:15A door plug on the Boeing 737 MAX 9 ripped off during the flight, leading to an emergency landing.

00:37The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the removal of four bolts from the door plug.

01:09Boeing has been asked to provide production documents and information related to the incident but has not yet complied.

01:43If Boeing is found to be non-cooperative in the investigation, they could be prosecuted for conspiracy to defraud the United States.

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