Boeing Whistleblower John Barnett Found Dead Amid Depositions Against Plane Company
March 28, 2024 11:00 AM EDT CBS News
By Theo Leggett, Business correspondent, BBC News
John Barnett, a former quality control manager at Boeing, was found dead on Monday, March 27, 2024, as he prepared to give a deposition as part of a lawsuit filed by the family of a passenger who died in the crash of a 737 Max jet in 2019. Barnett had raised concerns about manufacturing practices at Boeing's 787 factory in Everett, Washington, and had been scheduled to testify about those concerns in a deposition.
Barnett's death is being investigated by local authorities. There is no indication at this time that his death was anything other than an accident, but it is sure to raise questions about the safety of Boeing's aircraft and the company's culture of secrecy.
Barnett was a highly respected engineer with a long history of working in the aerospace industry. He joined Boeing in 2017 as a quality control manager at the company's Everett, Washington, plant. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing the production of the 787 Dreamliner, Boeing's newest and most advanced commercial aircraft. Barnett quickly became concerned about the manufacturing practices he saw at the Everett plant. He reported his concerns to his superiors, but he was ignored.
In 2019, Barnett filed a lawsuit against Boeing, alleging that the company had failed to properly inspect and maintain its 787 aircraft. Barnett's lawsuit alleged that Boeing had a culture of secrecy and intimidation that prevented employees from raising concerns about safety. Barnett's lawsuit was one of several that have been filed against Boeing in the wake of the 737 Max crashes. Boeing has denied the allegations in these lawsuits, but the company has come under increasing pressure from regulators and lawmakers to improve its safety record.
Barnett's death is a tragic loss for his family and friends. It is also a reminder of the importance of whistleblowers in protecting the public from corporate wrongdoing. Whistleblowers often face retaliation from their employers, but they play a vital role in holding companies accountable and keeping the public safe.
Komentar