Boeing, Joshua Dean Dies From Sudden Infection
- Posted on May 2, 2024
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
- 170 Views
Joshua Dean, a Boeing whistleblower who exposed manufacturing flaws in the 737 MAX, died from a sudden infection weeks after another whistleblower's suicide, raising concerns about Boeing's safety culture.
Joshua Dean, an ex-quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, has died of the infection that came without a warning and was quick and aggressive, as reported. Dean's death happened only two months after another Boeing whistleblower, John Barnett, had one of his two suicides while the lawsuit was still pending with accusations of retaliation.
On the other hand, Dean was known to be vocal about the potential problems in the 737 MAX planes that were being produced by Boeing during his time at Spirit AeroSystems. He noted improbably located drilled holes in the aft pressure bulkhead, which is responsible for cabin pressure. Spirit System dismissed Dean in April 2023 having the firm belief it was punishment for reporting cracks.
Approximately 15 days ago, Dean had a breathlessness problem. Even though the patient underwent a complicated ECMO machine put-on and got aggressive medical treatment, his condition was worsening with the passing of each day until he died on Tuesday.
The fact that the Dean, who was the second victim of the epidemic, was a former employee of Boeing speaks to the same fact that former employee John Barnett died by suicide in March. In 2011, Barnett was at the center of a lawsuit that alleged that he had experienced retaliation for speaking up about safety concerns of the 787 Dreamliner.
A month ago, a Boeing engineer now identified as Sam Salehpour provided Congress with testimony concerning a purported Boeing approach whereby delivery was put before safety standards. The ex-Boeing aircraft engineer of 17 years was subjected to sanctions after indicating problems with the 787 and 777 planes.
Also Read: DGCA Reports Successful Completion Of Boeing 737-8 Max Aircraft Inspection
Though knowing of some drawbacks, Boeing already tries to keep to the improvement efforts. The firm refuted Salehpour’s fatigue conclusion based on tests that declared no hints of fatigue in the 787.
The passing of Dean and Barnett has led to a closer look at the way Boeing deals with the sources of leaks and its attempts at resolving internal safety issues.