A Boeing engineer-turned-whistleblower has raised concerns about the safety of the 787 Dreamliner due to assembly flaws, claiming that the plane could potentially fall apart midflight if the alleged issues are not addressed. The engineer, Sam Salehpour, has spoken out against the company, stating that tiny nonconforming gaps found in multiple planes during assembly pose serious safety risks. Despite Salehpour’s claims, Boeing has insisted that the Dreamliner is safe to fly and has undergone rigorous engineering examination under FAA oversight.
Salehpour, who has worked at Boeing for 15 years, expressed his refusal to put his own family on a 787 at this time, citing the unresolved safety issues that he believes could lead to catastrophic outcomes. Salehpour will testify before a U.S. Senate subcommittee to address his concerns further. The allegations come at a time when Boeing is facing scrutiny following a midflight blowout of a door panel on a 737 Max 9, prompting the company’s CEO to announce his resignation.
Boeing has strenuously defended the structural integrity of the 787 Dreamliner, citing stress tests conducted on the wide-body jet that exceeded its expected lifespan without failure. The company stated that it had inspected a significant number of 787s in service worldwide and found no evidence of fatigue or structural issues. Former Federal Aviation Administration safety investigator Jeff Guzzetti also supported Boeing’s claims, stating that the plane is highly resistant and robust and unlikely to break apart even if cracks were to form.
Despite Boeing’s reassurances about the safety of the 787, Salehpour remains steadfast in his allegations and believes that production of the Dreamliner should be halted while addressing the reported problems in the existing fleet. Salehpour raised his concerns internally, which eventually led to him being transferred to work on the 777 line in 2022. Salehpour’s attorney, Lisa Banks, revealed that multiple would-be whistleblowers at Boeing have reported similar issues to those raised by Salehpour, prompting further investigation into the company’s manufacturing processes.
The controversy surrounding the 787 Dreamliner raises questions about Boeing’s commitment to safety and quality control. Salehpour’s decision to go public with his concerns highlights his dedication to prioritizing safety over potential repercussions. As Boeing continues to face scrutiny and investigation into the alleged assembly flaws, the aerospace giant must address the claims raised by Salehpour and other potential whistleblowers to ensure the safety and integrity of its aircraft. The outcome of the investigations and the responses from Boeing will be closely monitored by regulators, industry experts, and the flying public.
