Wichita, Kansas – A new whistleblower has recently emerged, shedding light on concerning allegations regarding the safety of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The whistleblower, Richard Cuevas, a former mechanic employed by a contractor, has come forward with claims that certain components of the Dreamliner were built in an unsafe manner, potentially posing serious risks.
Cuevas raised concerns about potential manufacturing issues in the forward pressure bulkhead, a crucial component for managing pressure during flights. He was subsequently terminated from his employment after bringing attention to these manufacturing deviations. This adds to the growing list of whistleblowers who have come forward from Boeing’s operations, further intensifying scrutiny faced by the plane manufacturer.
In October 2023, Cuevas submitted a complaint to Boeing, alleging that Spirit AeroSystems, the manufacturer responsible for building fuselages for the Dreamliner, had implemented unapproved modifications to the dimensions of fastener holes in the forward pressure bulkhead. This prompted an investigation by Boeing into Cuevas’ concerns, ultimately leading to his termination in March 2024.
Cuevas reported observing gaps in the forward pressure bulkheads of two aircraft he helped construct, which he believed could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences. These issues, which he witnessed during his time at Spirit’s facility in Wichita, Kansas, could compromise power and air pressure on the planes, posing a serious safety risk to passengers.
In response to Cuevas’ allegations, Boeing stated that they had previously investigated the claims and determined that they did not pose a safety issue. However, Cuevas, along with his attorneys, have submitted complaints to the Federal Aviation Administration and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, alleging that Boeing and Spirit’s statements about the safety of the 787 Dreamliners are fraudulent.
The Federal Aviation Administration has initiated multiple investigations into Boeing, and the US Department of Justice has suggested that criminal charges may be filed against the company due to ongoing quality and safety failures. The FAA encourages anyone with safety concerns to report them, as they have received a significant increase in reports in the current year compared to previous years. This latest whistleblower revelation adds to the growing challenges faced by Boeing, raising questions about the company’s manufacturing practices and commitment to safety.