A Boeing engineer who recently raised safety concerns about the company’s 787 Dreamliner testified before a Senate panel on Wednesday. He expressed worries that the shortcuts being taken by the company could result in a crash if not addressed.
The engineer, Sam Salehpour, revealed that in an effort to address production bottlenecks, Boeing implemented shortcuts that could potentially cause planes to break apart mid-flight. Salehpour stated that Boeing was knowingly releasing defective planes and that he faced repercussions for speaking out.
“I have analyzed Boeing’s data and concluded that the company’s manufacturing shortcuts on the 787 program could significantly compromise the airplane’s safety and lifespan,” Salehpour told the Senate committee.
“Details as small as a human hair could mean the difference between life and death,” Salehpour added.
Salehpour, who has been with Boeing for over ten years, attributed the issues to changes in how sections of the Dreamliner were fastened together during manufacturing. While Boeing acknowledged making manufacturing changes, they maintained that the airframe’s durability was unaffected and expressed confidence in the plane’s safety.
Before the hearing, Boeing released a statement affirming that extensive testing and maintenance checks had found no evidence of airframe fatigue in nearly 700 in-service airplanes. They reiterated their confidence in the plane’s safety and durability.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, Chairman of the subcommittee, emphasized the need for accountability while expressing a desire to restore Boeing’s reputation for engineering and safety.
Salehpour’s appearance before the Senate followed his claims reported by The New York Times about the Dreamliner. The plane has been a source of challenges for Boeing over the years.
Boeing has been under scrutiny following an incident where a door panel blew off a 737 Max during a flight in January, leading to investigations by the FAA and the Justice Department.
Salehpour’s allegations about the Dreamliner, which heavily relies on lightweight composite materials, have raised concerns about the plane maker’s reputation. He warned that improperly fastened sections of the plane’s body could pose a risk during flights.
Boeing attempted to refute Salehpour’s claims by showcasing extensive testing at the South Carolina assembly plant. However, no one from Boeing appeared at the hearing where Salehpour testified alongside other whistleblowers.
The Senate Commerce Committee also held a hearing involving Boeing on Wednesday, where experts criticized Boeing’s safety culture.
Javier de Luis, who lost his sister in a 737 Max crash, highlighted a disconnect between Boeing’s safety statements and the reality for employees.
