CAN I JUST WALK TO PUERTO RICO?
A Whistleblower Death And Cargo Flight On Fire — Everything That's Gone Wrong With Boeing In 2024 So Far
About three months ago, I bailed on a company trip because of my fear of flying. Was I crazy for being so scared of boarding a Boeing? Well, the day has finally arrived for my vindication. I just wish it didn't need tires falling, doors opening mid-flight and flames to prove me right.
This year got off to a shaky start. On January 5, a Boeing 787 MAX 9 plane blew out its door just 10 minutes into an Alaska Airlines flight heading to California. The terrifying incident remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, and several lawsuits remain pending, with one passenger suing the airplane manufacturer for $1 billion.
Since then, there have been numerous other Boeing incidents reported, some scarier than others. These include a flight turning back in Japan after a cockpit window crack, Secretary Blinken having to switch planes at Davos and a United Airlines Boeing losing its tires just moments after takeoff on March 7. The United Airlines plane, carrying 235 customers, 10 flight attendants and four pilots, was still able to land safely at Los Angeles International Airport. However, several vehicles at San Francisco International Airport were reportedly crushed and damaged by the fallen gear.
— Julian (@Aviationmech123) March 7, 2024
Now, ironically enough, one of their most recent incidents happened during a flight to Puerto Rico, the same exact destination I had for my Boeing flight back in December '23.
@melableh u never know what youre going to see on your evening walk 😵💫 plane landed safely at MIA airport #miami #miamiflorida #airplane #boeing #aliensighting #ufo #fyp #fypシ゚viral #planecrash #emergency #safelanding ♬ Creepy and simple horror background music(1070744) - howlingindicator
With its engines catching fire just after takeoff, the Boeing cargo plane had to perform an emergency landing at Miami International Airport. Granted, I know I wasn't going to be on a 747-8 cargo plane, but still. No injuries were reported. Indeed, despite videos of flames emitting from the airplane, the local fire department confirmed to TIME that there was no fire when it landed. At this time, the incident remains under investigation by the NTSB as well.
However, perhaps the most shocking Boeing-related news of 2024 so far is the death of John Barnett, a former quality control manager who went public against the company with a whistleblower complaint in 2017.
For almost a decade, Barnett waited for his trial, which according to his family was set for this June. Prior to his death, he said he feared Boeing's "toxic" workplace was prioritizing profit over safety, saying, "it keeps me up at night."
The 62-year-old was later discovered in a Holiday Inn parking lot in Charleston with an apparent "gunshot wound to the head," police said. Barnett had testified just the day prior about the alleged negligence he saw while at the 787 Dreamliner plant.
After reading all of this, how do you feel about your next Boeing flight?
