Ahmedabad Plane Crash Renews Claims Of Boeing Whistleblower

The recent fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en enroute from Ahmedabad to London, claiming 265 lives, has reignited global concern over Boeing's manufacturing process. Although the official cause remains unconfirmed, the tragedy has drawn attention to safety allegations raised by the late Boeing whistleblower, John Barnett.

John Barnett, a former quality inspector at Boeing's South Carolina plant between 2010 and 2017, previously voiced serious concerns about the manufacturing process of the 787 Dreamliner. He reported the presence of metal shavings near critical wiring systems, posing potential fire or malfunction risks, and warned that up to 25% of the oxygen masks might fail during emergencies. He also noted issues with missing or improperly placed parts, pointing to systemic lapses in quality control.

These claims were submitted to both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While FAA acknowledged certain production defects, OSHA ruled in Boeing's favour. Barnett faced professional retaliation and retired in 2017 due to health issues. Even after retiring, he continued to speak out, including his widely viewed 2019 interview later featured in the 2022 Netflix documentary 'Downfall: The Case Against Boeing'.

In March 2024, he was found dead mysteriously in his pickup truck in South Carolina after two days of his legal testimony linked to his whistleblower case. Authorities ruled it a suicide, citing a note found at the scene. In light of the recent air disaster, these past warnings have resurfaced, fuelling public concern over Boeing's safety standards and manufacturing integrity.