A Whistleblower Engineer Calls for the Grounding of Boeing 787 Dreamliner
A Boeing engineer turned whistleblower is set to tell lawmakers that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner should be grounded due to manufacturing compromises that jeopardize its safety. Sam Salehpour, a quality engineer who worked on the Dreamliner, called for the grounding in an NBC interview ahead of the hearing.
The claim that the aircraft is unsafe, which Boeing disputes, poses yet another challenge for the company as it seeks to regain trust from regulators, investors, and the public regarding the airworthiness of its planes. This comes as Boeing faces lawsuits and investigations following a midair blowout incident in January, where a fuselage section detached from an Alaska Airlines 737 Max-9 jet. A preliminary investigation revealed missing bolt fasteners that were supposed to secure the door in place.
Salehpour alleges that the Dreamliner suffers from substandard connections between different sections of its fuselage. He asserts that these parts, manufactured by different companies, are assembled at Boeing’s Charleston plant in South Carolina. Over time, unfilled gaps in the connections might lead to structural failures. Salehpour even claims to have witnessed people jumping on airplane parts to temporarily align them, only to face retaliation from Boeing by being reassigned to another program.
Boeing has refuted Salehpour’s claims, stating that the issues raised in The New York Times report have undergone rigorous engineering examination under FAA oversight, and they do not pose any safety concerns over the aircraft’s expected service life.
However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating whether the events leading to the blowout violated the terms of a deferred criminal prosecution agreement that Boeing reached in 2021. This agreement settled criminal charges connected to two fatal crashes involving the Boeing 737 Max 8 that claimed the lives of 346 people.
Boeing’s chief mechanical and structural engineer, Steve Chisholm, has emphasized that fatigue testing on the Dreamliner’s fuselage simulates usage levels 3.75 times beyond the jet’s intended lifespan. He asserts that no safety issues have been identified regarding the connection gaps, and the company has not encountered any problems related to in-service Dreamliners in those areas.
Boeing had previously slowed down Dreamliner production and halted deliveries in order to address concerns over fuselage gaps since the aircraft’s initial delivery in 2011. The company responded by enhancing the inspection and verification processes for join-up points, acknowledging that the allowable gap and fit up force can vary from joint to joint and location to location.
On Wednesday, a hearing titled “examining Boeing’s broken safety culture” is scheduled to take place, during which Salehpour and other witnesses will testify. The hearing aims to shed light on the alleged safety failures within Boeing and understand the underlying issues. It is crucial for Boeing to cooperate with the inquiry and offer relevant documents, testimony, and technical briefings.
The implications of these allegations and investigations extend beyond Boeing itself and might have far-reaching consequences for the aviation industry as a whole. Airlines, regulators, and the traveling public rely on the safety and reliability of aircraft. Therefore, any doubts raised regarding the safety culture of a major manufacturer like Boeing might lead to increased scrutiny and stricter regulations in the future.
This situation also highlights the importance of whistleblower protection and the need for individuals to come forward with critical information. Whistleblowers play a crucial role in uncovering potential wrongdoing and ensuring accountability. Their courage should be supported and encouraged to create a safer and more transparent industry.
Looking ahead, it is essential for Boeing to address these concerns promptly and transparently. Restoring trust in its products and safety culture will be paramount. The aviation industry must also reflect on its practices, ensuring that safety and quality remain top priorities throughout the manufacturing process.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect increased scrutiny of aviation safety, leading to more stringent regulations and quality control measures. The industry will need to adapt and prioritize safety at every step, from design to manufacturing and maintenance.
In conclusion, the allegations made by the Boeing whistleblower raise significant questions regarding the safety of the 787 Dreamliner. The subsequent investigations and hearings will shape the future landscape of the aviation industry, influencing regulations, manufacturing practices, and safety standards. It is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to ensure the highest level of safety and build trust in our air transportation system.