Boeing is technically the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial and defense aircraft.
However, in recent years, the company has experienced far more failures than triumphs. Now, there’s yet another problem: Boeing is apparently using corroded parts that have been left out in the rain to build its planes.
Boeing’s Long List of Mistakes
From a door falling off the side of a plane mid-flight, two fatal crashes due to flight control system failures, and several whistleblowers saying the company has unsafe practices, it’s been a rough few years for the manufacturing giant.
In response to these near-constant mishaps, several former and current Boeing employees are working with a lawyer in South Carolina to ensure they can safely speak out against the mighty aircraft company.
Two Boeing Whistleblowers Lost Their Lives After Speaking Out
Originally, a lawyer, Brian Knowles, represented the first two famous Boeing whistleblowers, Joshua Dean and John Barnett. After voicing their concerns regarding the company’s unsafe practices, both Dean and Barnett suddenly died just a few weeks apart: Barnett from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and Dean from an infection.
Of course, there has been wild speculation questioning the possibility of foul play in both of their passings, but police have yet to find any evidence to support this theory.
A Third Whistleblower Has Made a Statement
Meanwhile, a third whistleblower, Sam Mohawk, has decided to publicly speak out against the company, claiming he has seen extreme corner-cutting with his own eyes.
Mohawk worked as a quality assurance inspector at Boeing’s Renton, Washington, production facility, and he says what he saw there wasn’t just unsafe; it was illegal.
Boeing Is Leaving Aircraft Parts Out in the Rain
Knowles explained to the press that Mohawk told him, “They were storing hundreds if not thousands of parts outside in the elements.”
He continued, “[Mohawk’s] team would have to screen them. And they’d come in in these wooden crates full of water, corroded. And they would have to make an evaluation on whether these parts could potentially be used.”
The Corroded Parts Were Used on Aircraft
When asked whether or not the corroded parts were then used to build the aircraft, Knowles said, “The evidence would seem to show that the parts are being used on aircraft.”
However, he also explained that trying to deduce what happened to these less-than-perfect parts was quite a challenge. Often, Knowles said, “[The parts] were either lost, or they have no idea where the parts went because it hasn’t been documented.”
Where’s the Paperwork?
Knowles also said that employees were often instructed to “delete or cancel” these non-conformance reports. Additionally, the reports that were properly filed often included hundreds of defective parts.
Knowles explained, “If there were 100 defects in one area, they would just write up one defect,” so it is nearly impossible to trace each individual corroded part and find out where it ended up.
Boeing Is Breaking the Law
Leaving hundreds of aircraft pieces out in the rain, instead of safely storing them in a warehouse, isn’t just unsafe; it’s also illegal. The 18 US Code 38 states that it is against the law to “falsif[y] or concea[l] a material fact concerning any aircraft or space vehicle part.”
The code also states, “If the offense relates to the aviation quality of a part and the part is installed in an aircraft or space vehicle, a fine of not more than $500,000, imprisonment for not more than 15 years, or both.”
Asking the Department of Justice to Take Action
While Boeing’s unsafe storage practices are unquestionably concerning, the fact that two of the company’s planes have crashed and one has lost a door mid-flight over the past few years makes this situation even more pressing.
It’s clear to everyone that Boeing is cutting corners left and right, and Knowles, as well as his clients and the vast majority of people, want to see the company brought to justice for its malicious negligence.
Felony Charges for Any Boeing Executive Who Approved These Practices
Knowles wholeheartedly believes that the Department of Justice should bring felony charges against Boeing executives who either approved the storage of the parts outside or concealed the use of these materials in aircraft.
Knowles said, “It’s very concerning to know that there are people in management that are pushing these folks to do this stuff just so they can get the plane out the door.”
Knowles Says It Just Doesn’t Make Sense
During his interview, Knowles also commented on the fact that storing the parts outside really “doesn’t make sense.” Boeing is worth a whopping $115.03 billion, so the question is, “Why can Boeing not afford to get a warehouse to store parts properly?”
Knowles once again argues that Boeing’s unsafe practices are extreme negligence and completely unnecessary; it has both warehouse space and ample finances to ensure each and every aircraft it produces is perfect.
“Production and Profits Over People”
At the end of the day, Knowles says Boeing has proved it prioritizes “production and profits over people,” which is simply unacceptable in the aircraft industry.
He said succinctly, “These are airplanes that carry hundreds of lives. This isn’t a kitchen table people sit down at and if part of the leg breaks, it might hit your leg. If a plane comes down it’s going to kill everybody on board.”
