John Barnett, Boeing Whistleblower, Discovered Deceased in the US

Recent developments have heightened concerns over Boeing’s manufacturing practices, spotlighting a broader issue within an industry dominated by Airbus and Boeing, the leading airplane manufacturers globally. The situation has been exacerbated by the unsettling death of John Barnett, a former Boeing employee and whistleblower, known for voicing concerns about the company’s production standards.

Barnett, who retired in 2017 after a 32-year career with Boeing, spent his final years highlighting critical safety and quality issues within the company. Prior to his untimely death, he was actively involved in a whistleblower lawsuit against Boeing, bringing to light alarming practices at the aviation giant.

The news of his death was met with sadness by Boeing. According to the Charleston County coroner’s report to the BBC, Barnett succumbed to a self-inflicted injury on March 9, sparking an ongoing police investigation into the circumstances of his passing.

 

Barnett’s tenure at Boeing, especially his time from 2010 as a quality manager at the North Charleston plant responsible for producing the 787 Dreamliner, was marked by his commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of Boeing’s aircraft. He publicly accused the company of compromising on safety due to rushed production schedules and the use of sub-standard parts, claims that Boeing has consistently denied.

 

Notably, Barnett raised serious concerns about the reliability of the oxygen systems on the 787 Dreamliner, suggesting a potential failure rate of 25% in emergency situations. His alarms, however, were met with indifference, according to his accounts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in a 2017 review, validated some of Barnett’s concerns, uncovering the misplaced “non-conforming” parts within the Boeing factory, which prompted mandated corrective actions from the company.

Boeing has refuted Barnett’s allegations, particularly those concerning the oxygen bottles, stating that issues identified in 2017 with some bottles not deploying correctly were addressed and that none of the faulty equipment was installed on aircraft.

In the wake of his retirement, Barnett pursued legal action against Boeing, alleging that the company retaliated against him for his whistleblowing by undermining his character and career. His recent involvement in legal proceedings against Boeing included a deposition and scheduled further questioning, which he was unable to attend due to his death.

Barnett’s tragic demise occurs amidst increasing scrutiny of Boeing and its suppliers’ manufacturing standards, following several high-profile incidents and safety concerns. Notably, an incident in January involving a Boeing 737 Max highlighted potential lapses in quality control when an emergency exit door detached shortly after takeoff. Subsequent investigations and audits by the FAA have revealed multiple instances of non-compliance with manufacturing quality control standards, raising serious questions about the safety and reliability of Boeing aircraft.

Boeing has expressed its condolences over Barnett’s death, emphasizing its commitment to safety and quality. However, Barnett’s allegations and subsequent investigations into Boeing’s practices reveal a disturbing pattern of issues that the aviation industry must address to ensure the safety and trust of the flying public.