WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Two U.S. senators called on the Justice Department on Friday to prosecute Boeing in a criminal fraud case stemming from two fatal 737 MAX crashes and reject a tentative deal to allow the planemaker to avoid pleading guilty.

"DOJ must not sign a non-prosecution agreement with Boeing that would allow the company to weasel its way out of accountability for its failed corporate culture, and for any illegal behavior that has resulted in deadly consequences," wrote Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal. "Any deal between DOJ and Boeing that would allow the company and its executives to avoid accountability would be a serious mistake."