John Barnett, a former Boeing employee known for his vocal concerns about the firm’s production standards, was found dead in the U.S. at the age of 62. Barnett, who had served at Boeing for 32 years until his retirement in 2017, had been involved in a whistleblower lawsuit against the company before his demise.
The Charleston County coroner confirmed Barnett’s death as a result of a “self-inflicted” wound on March 9th, and authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding it. John Barnett, who worked as a quality manager at the North Charleston plant producing the 787 Dreamliner, had been raising alarm bells about compromised safety standards within Boeing’s production processes.
In a series of disclosures, Barnett had revealed instances where workers under pressure had allegedly fitted sub-standard parts onto aircraft, risking safety. He had also brought attention to serious issues with oxygen systems, indicating a potential failure rate of 25% in emergency situations. Despite his efforts to address these concerns internally, John Barnett claimed that no adequate actions were taken by Boeing management.
Boeing, however, denied Barnett’s allegations, although a 2017 review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) partially upheld some of his concerns, mandating remedial action from Boeing’s end. Despite this, John Barnett continued his legal battle against the company after his retirement, accusing them of obstructing his career and defaming his character.
Tragically, Barnett’s death occurred while he was in Charleston for legal interviews related to his ongoing lawsuit against Boeing. Just days before his demise, he had given a formal deposition and was scheduled for further questioning.
His passing comes at a time when both Boeing and its supplier, Spirit Aerosystems, face heightened scrutiny over production standards. Earlier this year, an incident involving a Boeing 737 Max, where an emergency exit door detached shortly after takeoff, raised concerns about manufacturing quality control. A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board highlighted lapses in the fitting of crucial bolts.
Moreover, recent findings from a six-week audit by the FAA revealed multiple instances where Boeing allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.
Boeing expressed condolences upon hearing the news of John Barnett’s passing, stating, “We are saddened by Mr. Barnett’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Barnett’s death marks a tragic turn in the ongoing saga of whistleblowing and safety concerns within Boeing’s operations. It underscores the challenges faced by individuals striving to uphold standards of safety and integrity within the aerospace industry, while also raising questions about the measures in place to protect whistleblowers and address their grievances effectively.
As investigations into Barnett’s death continue, the aerospace industry faces renewed pressure to prioritize safety and accountability in its production processes, ensuring that the lessons learned from this tragedy contribute to a safer future for air travel.
