WICHITA, KS – A whistleblower has raised concerns about the safety of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner planes, alleging that parts were built in an unsafe manner. Richard Cuevas, a former mechanic at Strom, a contractor for Boeing manufacturing partner Spirit Aerosystems, claims that he witnessed improperly drilled holes in the forward pressure bulkheads of 787 planes at Spirit’s Wichita facility in 2023. These bulkheads are crucial for maintaining the plane’s structural integrity during flight.

According to Cuevas, he reported these issues to Boeing and Spirit in October 2023, citing “substandard manufacturing and maintenance processes.” However, he was terminated a few months later. Despite Boeing’s response that the allegations did not pose a safety threat after an investigation, Cuevas and his attorneys maintain that the safety of the planes might be compromised.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) encourages individuals with safety concerns to come forward and investigates every report thoroughly. Cuevas expressed concerns about the potential catastrophic consequences of the gaps in the forward pressure bulkheads, emphasizing the risks posed to passengers. Additionally, he believes that these issues could impact not only the planes he worked on but also several others in production or already delivered to Boeing.

The case of Cuevas adds to a series of whistleblowers who have spoken out against Boeing in recent years. Previous reports of similar safety concerns led to a halt in Dreamliner deliveries while investigations were conducted. Boeing has since made adjustments to its manufacturing processes in response.

Boeing’s CEO Dave Calhoun recently apologized for the company’s safety failures and emphasized the need to rebuild public trust. The ongoing investigations by the FAA and the possibility of criminal charges against Boeing highlight the seriousness of the situation. The company faces not only regulatory scrutiny but also challenges in addressing internal safety culture issues.