PORTLAND, Ore. — This week, the FBI sent a letter to passengers on Alaska Airlines Flight No. 1282 that had an emergency landing in Portland, saying they could be a possible "victim of a crime."
The letter said, "We have identified you as a possible victim of a crime. 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."
On Jan. 5, a panel blew off the Boeing 737 MAX 9 twinjet at 16,000 feet, forcing an emergency landing at Portland International Airport (PDX). Everyone onboard survived.
A group of passengers sued Boeing and Alaska Airlines, alleging negligence.
“This is highly unusual for the Department of Justice to be investigating an aviation incident where nobody died, but this is the result of cumulative errors and negligence by Boeing,” said attorney Mark Lindquist, who represents 27 passengers who were on board.
“Engineers and technicians told them that the plane should be taken out of service, but they kept it in service, passengers were on that plane, and that was a dangerous decision," he said.
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“It’s something I think about,” said Linda, who was on her way to catch an Alaska Airlines Boeing flight from PDX to Boston on Friday. She chose an aisle seat away from any doors.
“I just have to be realistic that, especially with Boeing recently, there’s been extra issues,” she continued.
Another traveler named Mary, who was arriving home to PDX airport from Florida said, "The couple sitting next to me, as soon as they sat down, the first thing they said was 'Well, good thing there’s not a panel right here; we don’t have to worry about it blowing out."
Alaska Airlines told KGW in a statement: “In an event like this, it’s normal for the DOJ to conduct an investigation. We are fully cooperating and do not believe we are a target of the investigation.”
Boeing declined to comment.
Boeing and Alaska Airlines face multiple lawsuits relating to the incident. Attorneys representing those onboard Flight No. 1282 said they aren’t surprised the FBI is getting involved, seeing as this is affecting trust in transportation nationwide.