Victims’ Families Challenge “Sweetheart” Deal Between Boeing And DOJ

Families of Boeing 737 MAX crash victims are fighting back against a plea deal that they say lets the company off easy for the deaths of 346 people.

At a Glance

Boeing to plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud FAA over 737 MAX safety
Victims’ families strongly oppose the plea deal, calling it a “sweetheart deal”
Deal includes $487 million fine, but no individual executives charged
Families argue deal fails to hold Boeing accountable for 346 deaths
Recent incidents have reignited scrutiny of Boeing’s safety compliance

Families Push Back Against “Sweetheart Deal”

The families of victims of two Boeing 737 MAX crashes are urging a federal judge to reject a plea agreement between Boeing and the U.S. Department of Justice. The deal, which allows Boeing to avoid additional criminal charges while paying financial penalties, has been met with fierce opposition from those who lost loved ones in the tragedies.

Attorney Paul Cassell, representing the families, criticized the agreement as “deceptive” and not in the public interest. He argued for a public trial to ensure full accountability. Robert A. Clifford, lead counsel for the families, stated that the plea agreement only serves to further Boeing’s “profit-over-safety culture.”

Justice Department defends Boeing plea deal against criticism by 737 Max crash victims' families https://t.co/HnZFUlfl3S

— The Associated Press (@AP) August 15, 2024

Terms of the Controversial Agreement

Under the proposed deal, Boeing would plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud the FAA about the safety of the 737 MAX aircraft. The company would pay a fine of $487 million, with a $234 million credit for previous payments. Notably, no individual Boeing executives would face charges.

“This sweetheart deal fails to recognize that because of Boeing’s conspiracy, 346 people died. Through crafty lawyering between Boeing and DOJ, the deadly consequences of Boeing’s crime are being hidden,” said Catherine Berthet, who lost her daughter in one of the crashes.

The agreement also includes an independent corporate monitor for three years at Boeing facilities. Families have requested involvement in the selection process for this monitor.

Calls for Greater Accountability

Many family members argue that the plea deal ignores Boeing’s responsibility for the deaths and fails to improve aviation safety. Javier de Luis, an aerospace engineer who lost his sister, emphasized that the agreement does not address the root causes of the tragedies.

“The victims’ families look forward to their opportunity to explain to the court the reasons he should reject the proposed plea agreement, to a hearing on the issue to ensure all aspects of this important matter are adequately addressed,” stated Tracy Brammeier, an attorney representing some of the victims.

Chris and Clariss Moore, who lost their daughter, have called for a full investigation and criminal trial against Boeing staff. Ike Riffel, who lost two sons, stressed the need for transparency and accountability to prevent future accidents.

Ongoing Safety Concerns

The plea deal controversy comes amid ongoing quality concerns with Boeing’s commercial airplane division. A recent incident where an Alaska Airlines 737 Max lost a door plug mid-flight has reignited scrutiny of the company’s safety practices.

Paul Cassell, in an interview, emphasized the broader implications: “Well, yes, there should be not only corporate accountability here. Boeing should admit that it killed 346 people by lying to the FAA, but the then-corporate leadership of Boeing should be prosecuted, as well. We think it’s very clear the evidence shows that the leadership of Boeing at the time knew exactly what was going on, that there was this safety defect in the 737 Max.” He added that the decision to conceal the problem from the public and customers directly led to the two crashes.

As the legal battle continues, the families of the 737 MAX crash victims remain determined to see justice served and to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated in the future.