New Allegations from Boeing Whistleblowers Reveal Mishandling of Faulty Aircraft Parts
A recent Senate subcommittee report has unveiled alarming allegations from Boeing whistleblowers regarding the mishandling of faulty airplane parts. The extensive 204-page report delves into concerns raised by whistleblowers at Boeing’s facilities in Washington, suggesting serious lapses in the company’s safety and quality controls.
The report highlights accusations from Sam Mohawk, a Boeing quality assurance investigator based in Renton, Washington. Mohawk’s complaint to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on June 11 described the 737 program’s mismanagement of “hundreds” of non-conforming parts. He alleged that Boeing staff moved improperly stored parts to conceal them from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors. “There were approximately 60 parts being stored outdoors, including 42 rudders, plus flaps, winglets, ailerons, stabilizers, and vertical fins,” Mohawk stated in his complaint. He added that these parts were either moved back outdoors or lost after avoiding FAA scrutiny.
Additionally, the subcommittee received testimony from a former Boeing quality manager, Meyers, who claimed that Boeing’s manufacturing team frequently retrieved faulty parts from a designated reclamation area meant for disposal. Meyers also revealed that there were forms designed to facilitate the reintroduction of these reclaimed parts back into the production line, citing documents related to various aircraft components including 787 leading edge slats and landing gear fittings.
These whistleblower revelations add to a growing list of concerns about Boeing’s commitment to safety, overshadowing the manufacturer’s assertions of prioritizing aircraft integrity. The timing of these allegations coincides with Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun’s Senate testimony, where he was questioned about the company’s series of safety mishaps. Despite the scrutiny, Calhoun defended Boeing’s safety record, asserting his pride in the company’s actions.
Tragically, the release of these allegations was marked by the deaths of two key whistleblowers. Joshua Dean, a former Spirit AeroSystems employee involved in a lawsuit alleging poor quality controls in producing the Boeing 737-Max, died from a sudden illness in May. Another whistleblower, John Barnett, a former Boeing manager, died from a reported self-inflicted gunshot wound during his deposition against Boeing.
Boeing, responding to the Senate’s report and the surfacing allegations, stated late Monday that it is reviewing the claims. “We continuously encourage employees to report all concerns as our priority is to ensure the safety of our airplanes and the flying public,” a Boeing spokesperson commented.
The unfolding situation raises critical questions about the practices at one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers and underscores the urgent need for rigorous oversight and transparency to protect passenger safety.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, businessinsider.com