The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner following revelations from a whistleblower about potential shortcuts jeopardizing the structural integrity of the aircraft.
Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, with four decades of experience, raised concerns about shortcuts taken during the assembly of nearly 1,000 787s and approximately 400 777s, allegedly leading to excessive stress on vital airplane joints and the presence of drilling debris in key areas.
Despite Salehpour’s warnings, which were supported by his attorneys Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, he was transferred involuntarily to the 777 program. There, he observed further safety issues related to fuselage application and alignment, alleging that Boeing pressured engineers to continue production without addressing these defects.
Salehpour also claimed retaliation from his superiors and Boeing senior management, including threats of termination, isolation from communication and meetings, denial of medical leave, and assignments outside his expertise.
In response, the FAA emphasized the importance of reporting safety concerns without fear of reprisal, stating that voluntary reporting is crucial for aviation safety and promising thorough investigations into all reports.
Boeing, however, refuted Salehpour’s claims, asserting confidence in the 787 Dreamliner’s structural integrity and emphasizing that retaliation is strictly prohibited. The company maintained that rigorous engineering examinations, conducted under FAA oversight, found no safety concerns and affirmed the aircraft’s long-term safety and serviceability.
Regarding another incident involving a panel detachment on an Alaska Max 9 aircraft, Boeing assured that the issue was being investigated by relevant authorities, including the FAA, National Transportation Safety Board, and Justice Department, in light of potential violations of a 2021 settlement agreement related to Boeing’s Max jets.
