FBI sends letter to Alaska Airlines Flight No. 1282 passengers, saying they could be ‘victim of a crime’

PORTLAND, Ore. — This week, the FBI sent a letter to passengers who were on Alaska Airlines Flight No. 1282 saying they could be a possible “victim of a crime.”

This comes after a group of passengers sued Boeing and Alaska Airlines, alleging negligence leading up to what happened on Jan. 5 when 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.

“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,” said attorney Mark Lindquist, who represents 27 passengers who were on board.

Now, the FBI is getting involved, sending a letter to passengers saying: “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.”

“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,” Lindquist said.

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“It’s something I think about,” said Linda, who was on her way to catch an Alaska Airline 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.  

“I flew out on Sunday. 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,’” added Mary, who was arriving home to PDX from Florida.  

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. 

“This is extremely bad news for Boeing when the DOJ jumps in like this,” Lindquist said.

Some passengers, though, are unphased with the airline itself.

“I fly Alaska Airlines. I trust them; maybe Boeing has some work to do, but there’s human error. There’s always human error, right?” said Mary. 

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.