Seattle, Washington – The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating new allegations made by a Boeing engineer regarding potential safety concerns with the company’s 787 Dreamliner planes. The engineer, Sam Salehpour, claims that sections of the fuselages on these aircraft are improperly fastened together, which could potentially lead to structural weaknesses over time. These concerns have raised fears that the aircraft could potentially break apart while in midflight.
Salehpour has alleged that in a rush to meet production targets, Boeing may have taken shortcuts in ensuring that the various components of the plane were properly fitted and joined together. He mentioned instances where workers applied “excessive stress” to airplane joints to hide gaps, ultimately speeding up the manufacturing process but potentially compromising the longevity and safety of the planes.
Despite raising these concerns, Salehpour claims that he was ignored and faced retaliation from his supervisors, including threats of physical violence. In response to these allegations, Salehpour took his concerns to the FAA after an incident involving Alaska Airlines earlier this year.
Boeing has firmly refuted Salehpour’s claims, expressing full confidence in the safety and structural integrity of the 787 Dreamliner. The company stated that rigorous engineering examinations, conducted under FAA oversight, have debunked the concerns raised by Salehpour. Additionally, Boeing highlighted the steps it has taken to address any potential issues, including a temporary halt in deliveries to address fuselage fitting and joining concerns.
Salehpour is set to testify before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, shedding light on the issues he has raised regarding the manufacturing practices at Boeing. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Ron Johnson have requested Boeing’s cooperation in their review of Salehpour’s claims and have also asked for testimony from Boeing’s chief executive officer, David Calhoun.
As Boeing continues to work through these allegations and investigations, the company faces mounting pressure to address quality control and assurance issues. The company has already made changes to its executive team in response to criticism and is cooperating with the ongoing inquiry.
Salehpour’s courage in speaking out against potential safety concerns at Boeing highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the aviation industry. The outcome of these investigations could have far-reaching implications for the company and the aviation industry as a whole, emphasizing the critical nature of upholding safety standards and procedures in aircraft manufacturing.