The Boeing jetliner used by Alaska Airlines on Jan. 5 was set for a safety check the same day it suffered a door panel blowout, according to a report.

Citing interviews and document, the New York Times reported "engineers and technicians for the airline were so concerned about the mounting evidence of a problem that they wanted the plane to come out of service the next evening and undergo maintenance."

But, according to the media outlet, "the 737 Max remained in service for a day after the airline's engineers."

The Boeing plane suffered the blowout seven minutes after takeoff from Portland, Oregon, forcing the pilots to make an emergency landing.

The news comes two days after The Wall Street Journal reported the Department of Justice launched a criminal investigation into the Boeing jetliner blowout, which left a gaping hole on an the plane.

The newspaper said investigators have contacted some passengers and crew -- including pilots and flight attendants -- who were on the flight.

In an event like this, it's normal for the DOJ to be conducting an investigation," Alaska Airlines said in a prepared statement. "We are fully cooperating and do not believe we are a target of the investigation."

Boeing has been under increased scrutiny since the incident. There were no serious injuries.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.