Boeing is once again under intense scrutiny following alarming testimonies from whistleblowers about the safety of its aircraft. At a recent congressional hearing, Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour detailed his harrowing experience of being harassed and threatened after raising concerns about the safety of the company’s planes.
Salehpour, who has been with Boeing for 17 years, testified that his warnings about potential safety issues with the 787 and 777 aircraft were repeatedly ignored by his superiors. He described how his concerns were met with indifference, and he was instructed not to create delays. Despite facing significant professional risks, Salehpour felt compelled to speak out, emphasizing that even minor discrepancies at high altitudes could have life-or-death consequences.
The hearing also featured testimony from Ed Pierson, a former Boeing manager, who accused the company of a cover-up regarding missing documentation related to a door plug that detached from a Boeing 737 Max. Pierson alleged that Boeing’s leadership was aware of the existence of these records but fought to withhold them following two Max crashes.
Boeing defended its practices, stating that the gaps Salehpour described were within acceptable limits and that inspections had not revealed any signs of fatigue or other issues. However, Salehpour dismissed these assurances, highlighting the potential dangers of even small gaps at high altitudes.
The testimonies have intensified the focus on Boeing’s safety culture, with lawmakers from both parties expressing serious concerns. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who led the hearing, pledged further investigations into the matter, describing the situation as a result of years of accumulated issues rather than a single incident.
In response to the allegations, Boeing reiterated its commitment to safety and stated that it encourages employees to report safety concerns. The company also noted a significant increase in employee reports since January, signaling progress towards a more open reporting culture.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the claims, and Boeing faces a criminal investigation and numerous lawsuits. The National Transportation Safety Board has criticized Boeing for its lack of cooperation with the inquiry.
As Boeing navigates these challenges, the testimonies of whistleblowers like Salehpour and Pierson underscore the critical need for transparency and accountability in the aviation industry.
