(Reuters) – The U.S. Justice Department is closely reviewing a Boeing (NYSE:) door seal rupture last month that could lead to criminal prosecution of the aircraft maker, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing a person familiar with the matter. matter.
According to Boeing’s latest annual report, the Justice Department was considering whether the company had met its obligations under the Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) and whether to waive the information, which would require court approval.
If prosecutors determine that flying out the door constitutes a violation of that agreement, Boeing could face criminal charges, the Bloomberg report said.
Boeing has scrambled to explain and strengthen safety procedures after a door panel came off during a flight on Alaska Airlines’ new 737 MAX 9 on Jan. 5.
The Justice Department and Boeing did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.