John Barnett, a former Boeing manager who raised safety concerns about the aircraft manufacturer, has tragically been found dead outside a South Carolina hotel.
The body of the 62-year-old Louisiana resident was discovered in a car parked outside a Holiday Inn, with the Charleston County Coroner’s Office indicating a self-inflicted gunshot wound as the cause of death.
Barnett, a dedicated Boeing employee for many years, served as a quality-control manager before retiring in 2017. Following his retirement, he courageously shared his apprehensions with journalists. His brother, Rodney, revealed that John was deeply troubled by the safety of the aircraft and the well-being of passengers. He had identified serious defects that he believed were inadequately addressed by Boeing. According to Rodney, John asserted that Boeing prioritized profits over safety, fostering a culture of concealment.
The stress of working at Boeing took a toll on John, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety attacks. The hostile work environment he faced ultimately contributed to his untimely demise. In response to the tragic news, Boeing issued a brief statement expressing their sadness and extending condolences to Barnett’s family and friends.
Barnett’s concerns were not unfounded. He discovered discarded metal shavings near the wiring for flight controls, a potentially catastrophic issue if these sharp pieces had pierced the wiring. Despite raising the alarm with superiors, he was relocated to another part of the plant.
Additionally, Barnett highlighted problems with the oxygen systems on the Boeing 787, a widely used two-aisle plane for international flights. Faulty parts installed at the Boeing plant could compromise up to a quarter of these systems. Although Boeing denied his claim, Barnett persisted in his efforts to address safety issues.
His commitment to safety led him to file a whistleblower complaint with the government, which remains pending. The case continues, shedding light on the critical importance of transparency and accountability in the aviation industry.
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