The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a criminal investigation into the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX incident, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing documents and people familiar with the matter. It stated that investigators have contacted some passengers and crew onboard the January 5, 2024 Alaska Airlines flight which made an emergency landing following a door plug blowing out after shortly after take-off.
The report added that the investigation will look at whether Boeing has complied with the terms of a 2021 settlement regarding the fatal crashes of two 737 MAX flights with Lion Air in 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines in 2019.
An Alaska Airlines spokesperson said: ""In an event like this, it’s normal for the DOJ to be conducting an investigation. We are fully cooperating and do not believe we are a target of the investigation."" Boeing had no comment on the investigation.
DOJ opens criminal investigation into 737 MAX 9
