Boeing Airlines is taking flak for horrible quality control on their planes.
And one of the biggest headline-making flights has prompted the FBI to start conducting a more in-depth investigation.
Now these passengers just got word from the FBI that this “mishap” actually may have been a crime.
FBI sent a letter to Alaska Airlines passengers
Passengers on a recent Alaska Airlines flight who experienced a scary situation have just received letters from the FBI.
The letter reads, “As a Victim Specialist with the Seattle Division, I’m contacting you because we have identified you as a possible victim of a crime.”
Over 20 passengers who were on the flight are now being represented by Attorney Mark Lindquist, who told The Hill that his clients received the letter.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) opened a probe on Boeing after a door plug on one of its jets used by Alaska Airlines came off in the middle of a flight, leaving a frightening, gaping hole in the airplane as terrified passengers were scared for their lives.
The letter continues, “This case is currently under investigation by the FBI. A criminal investigation can be a lengthy undertaking, and, for several reasons, we cannot tell you about its progress at this time. A victim of a federal crime is entitled to receive certain services. The enclosed brochure introduces you to the FBI’s Victim Assistance Program and the types of assistance that may be available to you.”
According to Lindquist, some of his clients on that plane were essentially traveling inside of a “time bomb.”
During an interview with Fox and Friends conducted last month, the attorney said, “A plane was delivered by Boeing to Alaska Airlines without four critical bolts, which means the plane was essentially a time bomb. This door plug could have blown off at any time.”
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has also launched a criminal probe into the Alaska Airlines flight, stating that an “explosive decompression” occurred when the panel that plugged an unused emergency door, also called a door plug, blew off mid-flight.
Things aren’t looking good for Boeing
In a preliminary report last month, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said four bolts that were supposed to secure the door plug were completely missing before the incident occurred.
Now, Boeing’s CEO Dave Calhoun has announced plans to step down after the company has been under serious scrutiny.
Other company leaders are also leaving, including Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airlines president and CEO, who said he will retire.
Board Chair Larry Kellner has also announced that he won’t stand for re-election at the company’s annual meetings after serving on the board for 13 years.
In the meantime, the passengers on the Alaska Airlines flight will likely consult with their attorneys and await further information from the FBI.
Informed American will keep you up-to-date on any developments to this ongoing story.
