John Barnett, the Boeing whistleblower who exposed safety concerns within the aerospace company, has been found dead in his truck at a hotel parking lot in South Carolina, USA. Barnett had raised multiple safety issues related to the production processes of Boeing’s 787 aircraft, including the use of substandard parts, safety concerns in the production process, and failures in emergency oxygen systems.
Among his claims, Barnett highlighted the use of components that failed statutory checks in the production of 787 aircraft, leading to strains on workers who were allegedly forced to install substandard parts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a review in 2017, confirming some of Barnett’s concerns, including the presence of at least 53 parts with an unknown position.
Barnett also revealed that 25% of the emergency oxygen systems on 787s had failed, potentially contributing to pilots’ difficulties in obtaining normoxia. Boeing faced a lawsuit for defamation filed by Barnett, who claimed that the company damaged his career and reputation due to his whistleblowing.
At the time of his death, Barnett was engaged in a legal battle with Boeing, scheduled for further questioning. Boeing expressed sorrow over Barnett’s passing, stating they are saddened by his death, and the investigation is ongoing, led by the Charleston City Police Department.
The circumstances surrounding Barnett’s death remain unknown, and the investigation continues, with authorities awaiting further details from the ongoing inquiry.
