The aerospace giant Boeing is grappling with intense scrutiny following the deaths of two whistleblowers who had raised significant safety concerns about the company’s aircraft. Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems, which assembles key sections for Boeing, succumbed to a mysterious infection, with his passing occurring shortly after that of John Barnett, a former Boeing quality control engineer who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Boeing’s ongoing crisis is exacerbated by its recent $355 million net loss in the first quarter. At the same time, the CEO Dave Calhoun announced his departure by the end of the year, a move interpreted by many as a response to the unrelenting safety crises. It’s news to other Boeing whistleblowers that Boeing and Spirit “encourage” workers to speak out. Instead, they say, they’ve either been retaliated against — or ignored.
Brian Knowles, the attorney who represented both deceased whistleblowers, emphasized the importance of their efforts, stating, “These men were heroes. So are all the whistleblowers. They loved the company and wanted to help the company do better.” Knowles also highlighted that whistleblowers speak out due to the high stakes involved, saying, “They’re raising concerns because people’s lives are at stake.”
Dean and Barnett’s deaths have sparked further discussions about the safety and quality of Boeing’s planes and its internal culture. Barnett had revealed problems with the 787 Dreamliner, alleging that Boeing cut corners to speed its aircraft into service. On the other hand, Dean had highlighted issues with improperly drilled bulkhead holes on parts for the 737 Max, but claimed his management took no action. Following his testimony in a lawsuit against the company, he was fired from Spirit AeroSystems.
Their accusations are echoed by other Boeing employees, like Ed Pierson, who created the Foundation for Aviation Safety after failing to persuade Boeing executives to halt production before the two Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019. Pierson has not held back in criticizing the company, expressing a belief in a “criminal cover-up” at Boeing.
The sudden loss of Dean and Barnett has intensified the scrutiny on Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems. Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino stated the company encourages employees to voice their concerns, assuring that they are “cloaked under protection.” Nevertheless, these assurances stand in stark contrast to the reported experiences of Dean, Barnett, and others.
Relevant articles:
– Boeing faces 10 more whistleblowers after two die: ‘People’s lives are at stake’ , New York Post, 05/04/2024
– Whistleblower who accused Boeing supplier of ignoring defects dies, Al Jazeera English, 05/02/2024
– Another Boeing whistleblower is dead—this time a healthy 45-year-old who battled a sudden, severe infection, Fortune, 05/02/2024
– Family of dead Boeing whistleblower say his absence will be ‘deeply felt’, The Independent, 05/03/2024