Seattle, Washington – A new whistleblower has emerged, claiming that safety concerns were raised over certain components of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft, potentially posing risks to flights. Richard Cuevas, a mechanic previously employed by Strom, a contracting company, alleged that he faced retaliation after bringing attention to potential manufacturing issues on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Cuevas, represented by attorneys at Katz Banks Kumin, was terminated in March 2024 after pointing out manufacturing deviations in the forward pressure bulkhead, a crucial component for managing pressure during flights. This latest whistleblower adds to the growing scrutiny faced by Boeing, following previous incidents involving safety concerns with their aircrafts.

The allegations made by Cuevas involve the improper drilling of holes in the forward pressure bulkheads of 787 planes at Spirit AeroSystems’ facility in Wichita, Kansas. Cuevas believes that these issues could compromise power and air pressure on the planes, posing a serious safety risk to passengers. In response to Cuevas’ claims, Boeing asserted that previous investigations concluded that there were no safety issues present.

This is not the first instance of whistleblowers coming forward regarding Boeing aircraft. Another whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, a Boeing engineer, reported similar gaps in 787 and 777 aircraft in the past. The FAA and Boeing halted deliveries of new Dreamliners for nearly two years to investigate these gaps.

More than a dozen whistleblowers have raised concerns against Boeing in recent years, signaling a growing trend of safety issues within the company. The FAA has initiated multiple investigations into Boeing, and there is a possibility of criminal charges being filed by the US Department of Justice due to ongoing quality and safety failures.

As the investigations continue, it is crucial for individuals with safety concerns to come forward. The FAA has emphasized the importance of reporting any issues related to aircraft safety, stating that they thoroughly investigate every report submitted. With the aviation industry’s focus on safety, transparency, and accountability, whistleblowers play a vital role in ensuring the integrity and safety of aircraft operations.