The Charleston County Coroner confirmed that the complainant died from a “self-inflicted” wound.
Former Boeing Co employee John Barnett, known for raising concerns about production standards, was found dead Monday outside a South Carolina hotel amid a legal battle with the aeronautical giant, the bbc reported.
Barnett, 62, worked for Boeing for 32 years before retiring in 2017 and had provided evidence in a whistleblowing lawsuit against the company.
He also worked as a quality manager at the North Charleston plant manufacturing the 787 Dreamliner, a passenger airliner used primarily on long-haul routes.
In a statement following his sudden death, Boeing said it was saddened to learn of Barnett's passing.
The Charleston County coroner confirmed the complainant's death from a “self-inflicted” wound on Saturday and added that police were investigating.
What did John Barnett reveal?
Barnett expressed concern about pressure on workers to use substandard parts from scrap bins in the production of the 787 aircraft despite failing statistical tests.
It also claimed to have discovered serious problems with oxygen systems, which could mean one in four respiratory masks would not work in an emergency.
Barnett was concerned that the plane's rushed assembly process made it unsafe and rushed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a review in 2017 and confirmed Barnett's concerns, as they found at least 53 pieces in unknown positions.
Additionally, Barnett had discovered that 25% of the 787's emergency oxygen systems were failing, which could contribute to pilots' difficulty obtaining normoxia (normal oxygen levels).
Boeing later admitted that some oxygen cylinders had been delivered “from the supplier that have not performed their function properly.” However, the company assured that none were installed on any aircraft.
What happened after?
After retiring, Barnett filed a defamation lawsuit against Boeing for damaging his career and name after his complaint.
Barnett had been in Charleston for legal interviews related to that case and had given a formal deposition last week in which he was questioned by Boeing lawyers, before being questioned by his own lawyer.
His absence during Saturday's re-questioning prompted investigations at his hotel, where he was found dead in his truck in the parking lot.
His death comes amid increased scrutiny of production standards at Boeing and its key supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, following an incident in January when an emergency exit door exploded on a Boeing 737 Max shortly after takeoff from International Airport. from Portland.
The US National Transportation Safety Board revealed that four bolts holding the door securely in place were missing.
Last week, the FAA said a six-week audit of the company had found “multiple instances in which the company allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.”
