Skift Take

It’s unclear if this investigation is a new inquiry or if it’s related to a $2.5 billion settlement Boeing reached with the DOJ in 2021.

The U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into the Alaska Airlines blowout incident that took place January 5, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Citing documents and people familiar with the investigation, The Journal reported that the DOJ has contacted some passengers and crew — including pilots and flight attendants — who were on the flight. 

A door plug on the fuselage of Alaska’s Max 9 suddenly blew off mid-air, prompting the plane to make an emergency landing. 

“In an event like this, it’s normal for the DOJ to be conducting an investigation