Current:Home > FinanceFBI tells Alaska Airlines passengers on flight that had midair blowout that they may be "victim of a crime"-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
FBI tells Alaska Airlines passengers on flight that had midair blowout that they may be "victim of a crime"
View Date:2024-12-24 09:19:32
Passengers on an Alaska Airlines flight that had a panel blowout midair might be victims of a crime, the FBI said in a letter obtained by CBS News.
The two-page letter was sent by a victim specialist in the Seattle Division of the FBI to those flying – 174 passengers and possibly six crew members — on Flight No. 1282 on Jan. 5 from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California. The plane had to make an emergency landing, arriving safely at the Portland airport after a door plug blew off mid-flight.
"We have identified you as a possible victim of a crime," the FBI letter said. "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."
There are a "large number of potential victims in this case," the FBI said in their letter. The letter detailed how the flyers could access information about the case and warned that criminal investigations "can be a lengthy undertaking."
The plane had reached approximately 16,000 feet when the panel fell off, one passenger said in a lawsuit filed against Alaska Airlines, Boeing and door plug manufacturer Spirit Aerosystems, claiming the event left him and six other passengers with physical injuries and "serious emotional distress, fear, and anxiety." The passenger said his seatbelt saved him from being sucked out of the gaping hole.
Three passengers on the Alaska Airlines plane sued the airline and Boeing for $1 billion, claiming negligence caused the incident. Officials said several people sustained minor injuries, but no one was seriously hurt.
The FAA ordered a temporary grounding of certain Boeing 737 Max 9 planes shortly after the incident and required safety inspections for the aircraft in operation worldwide. The National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report found four bolts meant to hold the door plug in place were missing.
The U.S. Justice Department is currently investigating the blowout, a person familiar with the investigation confirmed earlier this month to CBS News. It is not clear if their investigation is related to the letter sent by the FBI Seattle office.
Kathryn Krupnik contributed to this report.
- In:
- Boeing
- Alaska Airlines
- Boeing 737 Max
- FBI
Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]
veryGood! (12)
Related
- Kevin Costner says he hasn't watched John Dutton's fate on 'Yellowstone': 'Swear to God'
- Remains found of Colorado woman Suzanne Morphew, who went missing on Mother’s Day 2020
- What happens when your secret fiancee becomes your boss? Find out in 'Fair Play'
- New Jersey Supreme Court to rule on pandemic-related insurance exclusions
- John Robinson, successful football coach at USC and with the LA Rams, has died at 89
- House Republicans claim to have bank wires from Beijing going to Joe Biden's Delaware address. Hunter Biden's attorney explained why.
- Winner of $1.6 billion Mega Millions jackpot claims prize in Florida
- McIlroy says LIV defectors miss Ryder Cup more than Team Europe misses them
- These Michael Kors’ Designer Handbags Are All Under $150 With an Extra 22% off for Singles’ Day
- 'Margarita tester' is now a job description. How one company is trading $4000 for drink reviews
Ranking
- Deion Sanders doubles down on vow to 99-year-old Colorado superfan
- Ukraine war effort aided by arrival of U.S. tanks as doubts raised over killing of Russian fleet commander
- UAW president Shawn Fain has kept his lips sealed on some strike needs. Is it symbolic?
- Florida Gov. DeSantis discriminated against Black voters by dismantling congressional district, lawyer argues
- Rita Ora Says Liam Payne “Left Such a Mark on This World” in Emotional Tribute
- North Carolina lottery exceeds $1 billion in annual net earnings for the state for first time
- Deion Sanders still winning in Black community after first loss at Colorado
- Travis Kelce Reveals Family's Reaction to Taylor Swift's Ballsy NFL Appearance
Recommendation
-
Disney Store's Black Friday Sale Just Started: Save an Extra 20% When You Shop Early
-
EPA Rolls Out Training Grants For Environmental Justice Communities
-
Belarus’ top diplomat says he can’t imagine his nation entering the war in Ukraine alongside Russia
-
Egyptian rights group says 73 supporters of a presidential challenger have been arrested
-
Wheel of Fortune Contestant Goes Viral Over His Hilariously Wrong Answer
-
High school football coach resigns after team used 'Nazi' play call during game
-
Crucial for a Clean Energy Economy, the Aluminum Industry’s Carbon Footprint Is Enormous
-
CBS News poll: Trump leads in Iowa and New Hampshire, where retail campaigning hasn't closed the gap