Court Bars Punitive Damages in Boeing 737 Max 9 Door Plug Case (aviation.direct)

A Washington state civil court ruled that passengers suing over the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 door plug blowout cannot seek punitive damages, finding no explicit statutory authorization for product liability and negligence claims. The January 5, 2024 incident saw a door plug detach from a Boeing 737 Max 9 at about 15,000 feet shortly after takeoff from Portland, injuring eight people. Simple damages for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress remain, with the jury trial scheduled for 2027.