The aviation industry is reeling from the tragic news that John Barnett, a former Boeing quality control engineer and whistleblower, was found dead just days after testifying against the aerospace giant. Barnett, 62, was discovered in his truck with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office. His untimely death has cast a somber shadow over the ongoing scrutiny of Boeing’s production practices and safety standards.
Barnett’s career at Boeing spanned over three decades, during which he became increasingly vocal about his concerns regarding the company’s manufacturing processes. In a 2019 interview with the BBC, he alleged that Boeing rushed the production of its 787 Dreamliner jets, leading to a compromise in safety. He claimed that the emergency oxygen systems on these aircraft had a failure rate of 25%, posing a significant risk to passengers in the event of cabin decompression.
Despite raising these issues with his managers after starting work at Boeing’s North Charleston plant in 2010, Barnett saw no action taken. His allegations were partially corroborated in 2017 when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reviewed Boeing and ordered the company to address certain quality-control issues.
The gravity of Barnett’s claims was underscored by a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines jet, where a door panel blew off midflight. This event prompted the FAA to give Boeing a 90-day deadline to develop a plan to rectify ‘systemic quality-control issues.’ The company has also been under the microscope for other issues, including the use of makeshift tools by mechanics during the production process.
Boeing expressed its condolences in a statement, saying, “We are saddened by Mr. Barnett’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.” However, the company’s statement does little to quell the concerns raised by Barnett’s allegations and the subsequent FAA findings.
The circumstances of Barnett’s death are under active investigation by South Carolina authorities. His attorney, Brian Knowles, has expressed explicit doubt about the nature of Barnett’s death, calling the self-inflicted gunshot ‘alleged.’ The legal team had been in contact with Barnett as he was due to provide further testimony in the lawsuit against Boeing.
Barnett’s passing not only leaves a void in the hearts of his loved ones but also in the ongoing battle for accountability and safety in the aerospace industry. His allegations have shed light on potential risks that passengers might face and have raised serious questions about the integrity of Boeing’s manufacturing processes.
The industry and the public eagerly anticipate the findings of the ongoing investigations into Barnett’s death and Boeing’s production practices. The hope is that Barnett’s courage in speaking out will not have been in vain and that his concerns will lead to a safer future for air travel. In the meantime, the aviation community mourns the loss of a man who dedicated his life to ensuring the safety of others.
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Boeing whistleblower John Barnett found dead days after testifying against company
Boeing whistleblower John Barnett found dead after testifying against company
Boeing whistleblower found dead days after testifying against company
