Victims' families of Boeing crashes, including Canadians, appeals for one last chance for criminal charges
Boeing Reaches Non-Prosecution Agreement with US Government Over 737 Max Crashes
In a significant development, Boeing has reached a non-prosecution agreement with the US Department of Justice (DoJ) to resolve a criminal case connected to the crashes of two Boeing 737 Max jetliners. The agreement, which takes the criminal charge and Boeing's guilty plea off the table, was announced recently.
The case, which has been under investigation since the crashes in 2018 and 2019, off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia, resulted in a total of 346 fatalities. The crashes occurred due to a software system developed by Boeing for the 737 Max, which began flying in 2017. In both incidents, the software caused the plane's nose to pitch down repeatedly based on faulty sensor readings, and pilots were unable to regain control.
Prosecutors allege that Boeing deceived Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulators about this flight-control system. Investigators found that Boeing did not inform key FAA personnel about changes it made to the software before regulatory pilot training requirements were set and the airliner was certified for flight.
As part of the new agreement, Boeing will pay or invest an additional $1.1 billion. This sum includes fines, compensation for the crash victims' families, and internal safety and quality measures. Boeing decided to plead guilty as part of the agreement to avoid a public trial.
The initial 2021 settlement agreement was on the verge of expiring last year. The new agreement replaces this settlement, and the U.S. government is arguing against dismissing the criminal case. The case is currently being handled by U.S. District Chief Judge Reed O'Connor, who will issue a decision on the dismissal motion at a later date.
The relatives of some of the victims held photos of their dead loved ones outside a federal court in Texas. While the Justice Department stated that the families of 110 crash victims either support resolving the case before it reaches trial or do not oppose the new deal, some victims' families are against the new agreement. They argue that it would allow Boeing to escape justice. Nearly 100 families oppose the new agreement and want a special prosecutor to take over the case.
The Justice Department has also asked the judge to leave open the possibility of refiling the conspiracy charge if Boeing does not hold up its end of the deal over the next two years. This condition underscores the seriousness of the allegations against Boeing and the importance of ensuring that the company adheres to the terms of the agreement to prevent future tragedies.
A panel covering an unused emergency exit blew off a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight over Oregon in 2021, putting Boeing's safety record under renewed scrutiny. However, this incident is not part of the current case.
This agreement marks a significant step in resolving one of the most tragic chapters in aviation history. As the details of the agreement are implemented, it is hoped that Boeing will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and integrity of its aircraft in the future.
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