The FAA has launched a new investigation into Boeing after the company self-reported potential deficiencies in inspections on certain 787 Dreamliner airplanes. According to the Wall Street Journal, Boeing alerted the FAA that it may not have completed all required inspections to ensure proper bonding and grounding at the connection point of the wings and fuselage. The FAA has confirmed this investigation and stated that they will take any necessary action to ensure the safety of the flying public.
The possible lack of completed inspections is just the latest in a string of issues that have been plaguing Boeing in recent months. In addition to the new investigation, there have been several mishaps involving Boeing aircraft, including four in January, two in February, and up to ten as of mid-March. This has raised concerns about the safety and quality control of Boeing’s aircraft.
In addition to these incidents, two Boeing whistleblowers have passed away in the past two months. Joshua Dean, a quality inspector for a Boeing supplier, died after a sudden infection left him in critical condition for days.
Dean was being represented by the same law firm that was working for John Barnett, another Boeing whistleblower who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in March. These two deaths have added to the growing controversy surrounding Boeing.
The problems for Boeing have extended beyond just safety concerns. In late April, Southwest Airlines announced that it was pulling out of several airports due to financial fallout from delays caused by Boeing. United Airlines has also faced financial setbacks due to the temporary grounding of the Boeing 737 Max 9, which cost the company $200 million in the first quarter alone. The grounding and delays have also led United to temporarily pause pilot hiring and ask pilots to take unpaid time off.
The FAA has increased its oversight of Boeing and its supplier Spirit AeroSystems in light of these issues. This includes halting production expansion of the Boeing Max after a door plug blew out mid-flight on one of Alaska Airlines’ Max 9 planes in early January. United Airlines, one of two U.S. carriers that operate the Max 9, has also faced repercussions. With a whistleblower coming forward and testifying that Boeing is putting out defective airplanes, questions are being raised about the company’s quality control processes and handling of safety concerns.
In his testimony, the whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, claimed that he raised safety concerns with Boeing over the course of three years but was ignored. He also stated that he had faced retaliation from his supervisors for blowing the whistle, including being transferred to a different program and alleged physical threats.
Boeing has responded by stating that the allegations about the structural integrity of the 787 Dreamliner are inaccurate and that all issues raised have been thoroughly examined under FAA oversight.
The ongoing investigation by the FAA and the developments in the past few months have significantly impacted Boeing’s reputation and financial stability. The company’s stock has dropped significantly since the news of the possible lack of completed inspections came to light. With increasing pressure from regulators and the public, Boeing must address these issues and ensure the safety and quality of their aircraft. The outcome of the investigation and the steps taken by Boeing in response will be closely monitored by the aviation industry and the public.
