A federal judge’s rejection of a plea deal between Boeing and the Department of Justice (DOJ) marks a significant victory for the families of 737 Max crash victims. The ruling challenges Boeing’s attempts to resolve criminal charges tied to two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that claimed 346 lives.
U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor of the Northern District of Texas dismissed the agreement, citing flaws in the DOJ’s oversight process, including concerns over how an independent safety monitor would be selected. “Public confidence must rest on the competency of this monitor, not external considerations,” O’Connor wrote in a scathing critique of the DOJ’s handling of the case.
The proposed deal would have allowed Boeing to plead guilty to conspiracy charges for misleading the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during the 737 Max certification process. In exchange, Boeing would have paid a $487 million fine—far below the $24.8 billion sought by crash victims’ families.
Victims’ representatives hailed the decision as a rare triumph for accountability. Paul Cassell, an attorney for the families, declared, “This ruling is a victory for crime victims and a step toward justice for the 346 lives lost.”
The crashes, involving Lion Air in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines in March 2019, were traced to flaws in the 737 Max autopilot system. Investigations revealed Boeing withheld critical information from regulators, prioritizing cost savings over safety. The fallout included lawsuits, a 20-month aircraft grounding, and widespread scrutiny of Boeing’s safety culture.
Critics argue that the initial 2021 deferred prosecution agreement insulated Boeing from harsher penalties. Erin Applebaum, another attorney for the families, called it a “sweetheart deal” that failed to ensure lasting accountability.
Judge O’Connor’s ruling delays the resolution of the case, giving Boeing and the DOJ 30 days to renegotiate terms. Many hope the next agreement will include stricter oversight and greater recognition of the lives lost.
The decision also underscores ongoing safety concerns. Judge O’Connor cited a recent incident involving a 737 Max door plug failure as evidence of insufficient compliance measures. Boeing’s attorneys expressed regret but maintained that misleading the FAA did not directly cause the crashes—a claim victims’ families firmly dispute.
This ruling opens the door for renewed efforts to hold Boeing accountable, demanding reforms that could reshape the aviation industry’s approach to safety and corporate responsibility.