Whistleblower Alleges Structural Flaws in Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner: FAA Investigates
A Boeing engineer’s startling claims have thrust the aviation giant into the spotlight once again.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now investigating allegations that the company’s flagship aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, harbors structural defects that could jeopardize passenger safety.
The whistleblower in question is Sam Salehpour, a seasoned Boeing engineer with over a decade of experience.
Salehpour has raised serious concerns about the construction process of the Dreamliner, asserting that shortcuts taken during assembly have compromised the integrity of the aircraft.
His allegations center on the fuselage, the backbone of any airplane.
According to Salehpour, a change in the construction process introduced shortcuts that led to improper fastening of critical components within the fuselage.
These flaws, he warns, could result in catastrophic consequences after thousands of flights. The Dreamliner’s fuselage, assembled from several large pieces manufactured by different suppliers, is meticulously joined together on the assembly line. Salehpour’s claim suggests that these connections are not as secure as they should be.
In a lengthy rebuttal, Boeing vehemently denies the allegations. The company insists it is “fully confident” in the 787 Dreamliner’s structural integrity. However, this controversy comes at a precarious time for Boeing. Just weeks ago, CEO Dave Calhoun and other senior executives announced their departure amid a series of safety-related scandals plaguing the company.
Calhoun himself acknowledged the gravity of the situation, referring to the door plug blow-out incident on a Boeing 737 Max plane operated by Alaska Airlines in January as a “watershed moment.” Now, with Salehpour’s claims, Boeing faces renewed scrutiny over its safety protocols.
Salehpour is not the first whistleblower to raise red flags within Boeing. In 2019, other insiders at the Charleston, South Carolina plant where the 787 is manufactured also voiced concerns.
These whistleblowers alleged that workers were pressured to expedite production, compromising safety standards.
Tragically, one of them—John Barnett, a former Boeing quality inspector—was found dead in March while pursuing legal action against the company. His lawsuit may however continue posthumously.
Salehpour’s allegations have caught the attention of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who chairs the investigations subcommittee, plans to hold a hearing on “Boeing’s broken safety culture.”
The FAA, meanwhile, emphasizes the importance of voluntary reporting without fear of reprisal, promising a thorough investigation.
