In a recent development, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has informed passengers who were onboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 during a mid-air emergency on January 5th that they may be potential victims of a crime. This information was revealed in letters sent to the passengers, which are considered a procedural step in certain criminal investigations conducted by the Justice Department. These letters indicate that the investigation into the MAX 9 emergency is progressing.

Dated Tuesday, the letters state that the FBI has identified the passengers "as a possible victim of a crime." However, due to the nature of the investigation, the FBI cannot disclose any further details or provide updates on its progress at this time. The Seattle Times initially reported on the contents of these letters.

While an FBI spokesperson in Seattle declined to comment, citing Justice Department policy of not confirming or denying ongoing investigations, it is worth noting that the Justice Department updated its guidelines for notifying potential crime victims in 2022. This followed complaints from relatives of those who tragically lost their lives in the two Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019. These relatives claimed that their legal rights were violated when the department reached a deferred prosecution deal with Boeing in January 2021 without notifying them. As a result, the department apologized for not meeting with the crash victims' families before publicly announcing the deal, which concluded a 21-month investigation into the design and development of the 737 MAX 8.

Boeing has chosen not to comment specifically on this case, but the company has stated that it will continue to fully cooperate and maintain transparency in all government investigations. Similarly, Alaska Airlines has confirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. They are confident that the airline is not the target of the FBI probe.

During the mid-air emergency incident, a door plug panel detached from the Boeing 737 MAX 9 at an altitude of 16,000 feet, resulting in a significant rectangular hole in the aircraft. Remarkably, the plane landed safely with all 171 passengers and six crew members on board. However, seven passengers and one flight attendant sustained minor injuries.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that four crucial bolts crucial to the aircraft were missing, which should have been present since the Boeing 737 MAX 9 was delivered months earlier. Boeing, on the other hand, has asserted that the required documentation outlining the removal of these bolts was never created.

Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded the Boeing 737 MAX 9 for several weeks. In addition, Boeing was prohibited from increasing the MAX production rate, and the FAA ordered the company to develop a comprehensive plan to address "systemic quality-control issues" within 90 days.

As the investigation unfolds, both the FBI and Justice Department will work tirelessly to get to the bottom of the incident and ensure that justice is served.