In a shocking revelation, a whistleblower has stepped forward Wednesday to expose potential safety risks in Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner planes. Richard Cuevas, a mechanic at Strom, a contractor for Boeing manufacturing partner Spirit Aerosystems, claims that he witnessed improperly drilled holes in the forward pressure bulkheads of 787 planes at Spirit’s Wichita, Kansas facility in 2023. This crucial part of the airplane’s body is essential for maintaining the structure of the plane while in flight.
Cuevas alleges that he raised concerns about “substandard manufacturing and maintenance processes” to Boeing and Spirit in October 2023, only to be fired a few months later. Boeing has stated that they previously investigated Cuevas’ allegations and found that they did not pose a safety problem.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has emphasized the importance of reporting safety concerns, stating that they thoroughly investigate every report. Cuevas fears that the improperly drilled holes could lead to catastrophic consequences, compromising the power and air pressure on the planes, posing a serious safety risk to passengers onboard.
Boeing’s past history with whistleblowers has come into focus once again, with previous reports of similar safety issues in 787 and 777 aircraft. The FAA and Boeing had halted deliveries of Dreamliners in the past to address these concerns. The FAA has opened multiple investigations into Boeing, and the US Department of Justice is considering criminal charges against the company for ongoing quality and safety failures.
Boeing’s CEO Dave Calhoun has acknowledged the company’s safety failures and pledged to regain the public’s trust. However, allegations of retaliation against employees who report safety concerns continue to plague the company. The safety culture at Boeing has come under scrutiny, with reports of a disconnect between management and employees, as well as fears of retaliation for reporting safety issues.
