Justice Department investigating door plug blowout on Alaska Airlines flight, report says
NBCMAR 2024
Reports: US Dept. of Justice Investigating Boeing
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The Spin
Narrative A
Obviously, the DOJ's 2021 deal, which was supposed to hold Boeing to account for the crashes that killed more than 300 people, didn't do enough to cause change at the company. Boeing was allowed to buy its way out of trouble. The Jan. 5 incident will hopefully reinvigorate the DOJ to do what it takes to hold Boeing accountable for its lax safety standards.
Narrative B
The National Transportation Safety Board is already probing what may have led to the Jan. 5 incident and whether Boeing's lack of dedication to safety led to the plug blowing off the aircraft. The DOJ getting involved at this point could intimidate witnesses who are cooperating with the Board but might clam up if there's a risk of criminal charges. It could be too early for the DOJ to interject.