FBI says Alaska Airlines passengers are ‘crime victims’ after mid-air door blowout

The FBI, while investigating the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max mid-air door-plug panel blowout case, have concluded that the passengers are likely to be victims of a crime.

“I’m contacting you because we have identified you as a possible victim of a crime,” said a victim specialist, from the Seattle office of the federal agency in the letters, which was sent to the passengers this week. “This case is currently under investigation by the FBI,” it added.

The letters, which is a procedural step in the Justice Department’s criminal investigations, are a sign that the investigation into the MAX 9 emergency has been moving ahead.

The letters, which were dated March 19, read, “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.”

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In the letter, the recipients were given a phone number, an email address, a case number and a personal identification number so that they could send their concerns and questions.

FBI does not mention Boeing in the letter

In the letter, the FBI did not mention the name of Boeing. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines said, “We are fully co-operating and do not believe we are a target of the investigation.”

The Justice Department, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been conducting separate investigations of Boeing.

Lindquist welcomed the investigation of the Justice Department and said, “We want accountability, answers, and safer planes. The DOJ and the FBI bring significant leverage and resources that I’m confident will help our case and help the flying public as well.”

On January 5, the aeroplane was flying 16,000 feet (4,800 meters) over Oregon when its panel blew out and created a gaping hole in the side.

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The cabin pressure’s rapid loss led to oxygen masks getting dropped from the ceiling as air rushed inside from the hole.

However, the pilots were able to land the flight safely in Portland, Oregon, and none of the 171 passengers and six crew members suffered injuries.

As per the investigators, four bolts – which secure the panel – were missing after the plane went through checking at a Boeing factory in Renton, Washington.