Boeing accepts “Sweetheart” Plea Deal

As expected, Boeing accepted what is described as a “Sweetheart” plea deal that resulted from its breach of the Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the Justice Department in 2021.  That deal had Boeing not breached it with the serious Alaska Airlines door plug incident, leaving Boeing without further punishment for the two 737 MAX crashes.

This plea deal, in which Boeing pleaded guilty to a felony for defrauding the United States, resulted from the certification of the 737 MAX, where it hid the MCAS system, resulting in inadequate pilot training.  This deal does not cover subsequent events, including the door plug incident, for which Boeing may still face civil and criminal charges should individuals with standing or the DOJ wish to bring them.