Boeing executives are unlikely to face criminal charges over the fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people, according to U.S. Justice Department officials who met with victims’ family members.
The statute of limitations, which is typically five years for most federal crimes, has likely passed. The Justice Department found in mid-May that Boeing violated a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement (DPA), which had shielded the company from criminal charges related to the crashes.
This agreement required Boeing to comply with certain terms over a three-year period ending on January 7, 2024.
However, a panel blowout on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet during a January 5, 2024, Alaska Airlines flight exposed ongoing safety issues. Boeing has until June 13 to respond to the Justice Department’s findings, and the department has until July 7 to inform a federal judge in Texas of its plans.
The department is considering several options, including prosecuting Boeing, extending the DPA, entering a new DPA, or negotiating a plea deal. Boeing could also face charges for its conduct during the DPA term, though no felonies have been found during this period.
The Justice Department believes it cannot prove federal manslaughter or fraud involving aircraft parts beyond a reasonable doubt. Victims’ families are discussing requesting an enhanced sentence if Boeing is prosecuted and convicted.
Boeing maintains that it has honored the DPA’s terms and looks forward to responding to the Justice Department.
