Everett, Washington – A mechanic contracted by Boeing’s supplier Spirit AeroSystems has filed complaints with regulators, alleging substandard work on Boeing 787 aircraft and claiming he was terminated after reporting the issues. Richard Cuevas, an employee of Strom Aviation, a contractor for Spirit AeroSystems, raised concerns about modifications made without Boeing’s approval to the drilling holes in the forward pressure bulkhead of the 787s, which could potentially compromise the planes’ power and air pressure.
Attorneys representing Cuevas have filed complaints with the Federal Aviation Administration and Occupational Safety and Health Administration, urging for an investigation into the issues with the 787 forward pressure bulkhead. Boeing reassured in a statement that Cuevas’s concerns had been thoroughly investigated and determined not to pose a safety concern. However, Cuevas alleges that he witnessed problems with three aircraft while working at Boeing’s Everett hangar in March 2023 and noticed manufacturing flaws during his time in Wichita, Kansas.
Despite raising his concerns with Spirit and Boeing, Cuevas claims that he was fired in March, coinciding with an FAA compliance inspection at the Boeing hangar. Spirit AeroSystems stated that they are investigating the allegations and encourage their employees to come forward with any concerns. Strom Aviation, the Minnesota-based aviation staffing company employing Cuevas, did not respond to requests for comment.
Cuevas is represented by attorneys who previously worked with Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who testified before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs about safety risks on Boeing aircraft. Boeing has rebutted claims of safety risks on the 787 Dreamliner and 777 widebody jets, with support from a retired Boeing engineer who examined the data behind Salehpour’s allegations. The FAA is currently investigating the 787 Dreamliner following a disclosure by Boeing that South Carolina employees falsified inspection records on work where the wings are joined to the fuselage, unrelated to Salehpour’s testimony.