Story perspectives

Appeals Court Clears Boeing of Criminal Charges in 737 MAX Crashes

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

A U.S. appeals court upheld a lower court's dismissal of a criminal case against Boeing, avoiding prosecution for two fatal 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people.
Judge Reed O'Connor expressed concerns about accountability but stated he lacked authority to reject the Justice Department's decision.
The appeals court clarified that federal crime victims law does not provide victims an unlimited right to appeal dismissals.
Boeing previously agreed to plead guilty to a fraud conspiracy charge and pay $444.5 million to a victims' fund.

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Story summary

A U.S. appeals court upheld a lower court's dismissal of a criminal case against Boeing, avoiding prosecution for two fatal 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people.
Judge Reed O'Connor expressed concerns about accountability but stated he lacked authority to reject the Justice Department's decision.
The appeals court clarified that federal crime victims law does not provide victims an unlimited right to appeal dismissals.
Boeing previously agreed to plead guilty to a fraud conspiracy charge and pay $444.5 million to a victims' fund.