Produced by: Tarun Mishra
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams remain stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) due to multiple issues discovered with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Originally scheduled to return on June 13, their return has been postponed three times, with no new return date established.
Boeing’s Starliner project has faced numerous failures over the past six years, including issues during production and testing phases. Despite these setbacks, NASA approved the spacecraft for crewed flights, only for it to encounter significant problems in orbit.
Boeing faces intense scrutiny in recent months due to numerous cases highlighting concerns over build quality and safety records. Issues with doors, windows, tires, and other components have become frequent occurrences on Boeing aircraft. The company has been linked to over 5,779 deaths from crashes since its inception, and two astronauts are currently stranded in space due to Boeing Starliner failures.
Despite widespread public criticism, the Boeing CEO David Calhoun defended their safety record during a congressional hearing last week. He said, "We are proud our safety record."
A Boeing whistleblower, Joshua Dean, who was fired in 2023 after warning about manufacturing defects in the 737 Max, died in April. The 45-year-old developed pneumonia and MRSA after experiencing breathing difficulties, the Seattle Times reported. However, Dean, a former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems, was known for his healthy lifestyle before his illness.
Another Whistleblower, John Barnett, who raised concerns about Boeing's safety and production standards, allegedly died by suicide in May, according to police. The 62-year-old was found dead inside his truck on March 9 in South Carolina, US, as reported by CNN. Initial investigations into his death began but have since been halted, the report noted. In an interview, Barnett's friend recalled him saying that if he were to die under any circumstances, to remember that Boeing was responsible.
In March, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner experienced a sudden mid-flight plunge, injuring dozens of passengers. The pilot temporarily lost control but managed to land the plane safely. The incident has been labelled a “technical event,” and Boeing is investigating the cause.
Earlier in the year, an Alaska Airlines 737 Max experienced a severe malfunction when a part of the plane blew off shortly after takeoff. A preliminary investigation suggested that Boeing had likely failed to install the necessary bolts to prevent the mishap.
The 737 Max incident led to a temporary nationwide grounding of certain 737 Max jets, followed by congressional hearings, production delays, and multiple federal investigations, including a criminal probe. Boeing's stock value has plummeted, losing over $40 billion in market valuation.
In February, pilots on a United Airlines 737 Max reported jammed flight controls while landing. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident. The FAA also flagged safety issues with the de-icing equipment on 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner models.
The NTSB reported that Boeing had not provided records documenting steps taken on the assembly line for door plug replacements on the Alaska Airlines jet, as the records do not exist.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker highlighted broader safety and quality issues with Boeing’s manufacturing process, including workflow, tool management, and production order. The FAA has instructed Boeing to submit a corrective plan by late May.
Boeing acknowledged the issues identified by the FAA and stated it is implementing immediate changes to strengthen safety and quality. The company aims to restore confidence among airlines, regulators, and passengers with increased transparency and comprehensive action plans.