Boeing 737 Max crash victims’ families demand $25bn fine

The families of targets in two Boeing 737 Max aircraft crashes have asked for prosecutions and a penalty of $24.8bn for “the most tainted corporate crime in US history.”

The families of victims from the two fatal Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 are calling for significant legal and financial repercussions for the company.

Lawyer Paul Cassell, representing the families, has proposed a fine of $24.8 billion, describing the incidents as “the deadliest corporate crime in US history.”

Key Points of the Demand:

1. Prosecution of Boeing Executives: The families are urging the US government to prosecute those at the helm of Boeing during the crashes that resulted in 346 deaths. This request is outlined in a detailed 32-page letter seen by the BBC.
2. Apology and Congressional Hearing: Boeing’s CEO, Dave Calhoun, recently apologized for the grief caused by the crashes during his testimony before Congress. He acknowledged Boeing’s mistakes and claimed that the company has learned from the past. Despite his apologies, he faced heckling from the victims’ families present at the hearing.
3. Details of the Crashes:
   • Lion Air Flight (October 2018): The crash occurred 13 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, Indonesia, resulting in 189 fatalities.
   • Ethiopian Airlines Flight (March 2019): This crash happened six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing all 157 onboard.
   • Both crashes were attributed to faulty flight control systems.
4. Call for Independent Monitor: The families’ lawyer suggested that any fines imposed should fund the creation of an independent monitor to oversee Boeing’s safety and compliance measures, ensuring the prevention of similar incidents in the future.
5. Justice Department’s Consideration:
   • The Department of Justice (DOJ) is contemplating the revival of a 2021 criminal fraud charge against Boeing. This charge had been linked to the crashes but remained dormant after Boeing settled, admitting to misleading air-safety regulators and committing to enhanced compliance systems.
   • A recent incident involving a door panel detaching mid-flight from a 737 Max plane during an Alaska Airlines flight has prompted prosecutors to reconsider the settlement terms, indicating potential violations.
6. Deadline for DOJ Decision: The DOJ has until July 7 to decide whether to pursue the revived fraud case against Boeing.

Summary of the Families’ Stance:

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Paul Cassell emphasized the enormous human cost of Boeing’s actions and stressed that the $24.8 billion fine is both justified and appropriate.

The families believe that such a penalty, coupled with the prosecution of responsible executives, is necessary to achieve justice and ensure corporate accountability.

The tragic loss of 346 lives in the two crashes has underscored the critical need for stringent oversight and enforcement of aviation safety standards.

The families’ call for an independent monitor highlights their concern for ongoing and future compliance by Boeing, aiming to prevent any recurrence of such catastrophic events.