23-3-2024 (NEW YORK) The FBI has reached out to passengers who were onboard a Boeing aircraft that experienced a midair blowout, informing them that they may be potential victims of a crime, as reported by US media on Friday (Mar 22).
This action follows the Department of Justice’s announcement earlier this month regarding the initiation of a criminal investigation into the near-disastrous event on Jan 5. During the incident, a panel detached from the fuselage of a Boeing 737 MAX 9 operated by Alaska Airlines mid-flight. Although no severe injuries were reported, the plane had to execute an emergency landing. Terrifying footage captured the moment when passengers faced the unsettling sight of a gaping hole in the aircraft.
The detached panel, also known as the “door plug,” was discovered in a suburban backyard, triggering widespread safety concerns. Consequently, planes with similar configurations were temporarily grounded, leading to the cancellation of thousands of flights.
The FBI’s letter to passengers, identified as potential victims, stated, “As a Victim Specialist with the Seattle Division, I’m contacting you because we have identified you as a possible victim of a crime.” The letter further indicated that the case is currently under investigation by the FBI, acknowledging the challenges associated with disclosing progress during ongoing criminal inquiries.
Federal investigators have attributed the incident to the absence of bolts that should have secured the panel, which serves as a covering for an optional exit. Boeing, the aviation giant responsible for the aircraft, has faced criticism for delays in cooperating with the probe. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) expressed frustration in early March over the lack of essential documents and the failure to provide the names of Boeing employees involved in the component’s assembly.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasized the urgency of obtaining crucial information, stating, “It’s absurd that two months later we don’t have that.”
