In the aftermath of two devastating Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019, the families of the 346 victims are still fighting for accountability. The families of passengers who perished in two tragic Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashes—Lion Air Flight 610 in 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in 2019—continue to seek justice. On Friday, they gathered in a Fort Worth, Texas courtroom, with their lawyers arguing that the plea deal between Boeing and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) was inadequate. The families are seeking more than compensation; they want Boeing to be held accountable. Their attorneys argue that Boeing has used its size and influence to avoid more severe consequences.

The Plea Deal and Its Controversies

The plea deal Boeing reached with the DOJ involved a $244 million fine and an additional $455 million investment to improve compliance and safety programs. While this might seem substantial, the families’ lawyers argued that this punishment is far from adequate. Attorney Erin Applebaum, representing several families, spoke out about how Boeing and the DOJ were not fully addressing the gravity of the situation. According to PBS News, Applebaum and others accused Boeing of sugar-coating the facts surrounding the crashes and downplaying the loss of 346 lives.

Summary of Boeing’s Penalties

The 737 MAX’s Faulty System: A Fatal Flaw

Investigations into both crashes revealed that the Boeing 737 MAX’s automated control system was the main cause of these tragedies. The system forced the aircraft into an uncontrollable dive while on approach, leading to the catastrophic crashes. Prosecutors revealed that two Boeing pilots deliberately withheld crucial information about the system from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor questioned why Boeing’s punishment should be accepted as it stands. Boeing’s lawyer, Ben Hatch, argued that the company plays a vital role in the national economy and defense. According to PBS News, Hatch further claimed that Boeing should know the extent of its punishment in advance, fearing further uncertainty could jeopardize the company’s supply chain and government contracts.

Boeing’s Global Importance: A Shield Against Accountability?

Hatch’s statement sparked outrage among the victims’ families. Michael Stumo, whose daughter died in the Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 crash, voiced his frustration after the hearing. He claimed that Boeing’s status as a major economic player was being used to shield the company from real accountability.

“They’re too big to jail,” Stumo said, according to PBS News. He argued that Boeing’s influence on the economy has allowed the company to escape the full consequences of its actions.

Boeing’s Complicated Legal Battle

The Department of Justice’s Senior Deputy, Sean Tonolli, explained that Boeing’s conspiracy to defraud regulators was a critical aspect of the case, but he acknowledged that the legal outcome remains uncertain. Tonolli emphasized the importance of ensuring a just outcome but admitted that there was a possibility the DOJ might not win the case against Boeing.

Key Figures in the Legal Case

Pro Bono Efforts to Support Boeing 737 MAX 8 Victims Families

The legal representation for the families is provided entirely pro bono by Kreindler & Kreindler, a leading aviation law firm. Applebaum reiterated that the attorneys working on the case are not being compensated, but are driven by their commitment to justice. “This is an effort driven by passionate families and attorneys honored to represent them,” Applebaum said.

The families are not just seeking financial compensation. Their primary goal is to see real changes within Boeing to ensure that no other lives are lost due to similar issues. Without such changes, Applebaum argued, the plea deal is meaningless, putting profits over safety.

The Unfulfilled Promises of Boeing’s Leadership

Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, had reportedly promised the families a meeting, but as of yet, no such meeting has been scheduled. Applebaum expressed her disappointment, stating that while Ortberg made promises of action, he has yet to deliver on them. The families are still waiting for meaningful steps toward accountability and change.

Judge O’Connor concluded the hearing by stating that he would deliver his ruling as soon as possible, leaving the families anxiously awaiting justice for their loved ones.

Sources:

• Simple Flying
• Featured image By LLBG Spotter