Boeing whistleblower claims there is a 'criminal coverup' over the 737 Max blowout

Core Viewpoint - A whistleblower from Boeing has alleged a "criminal coverup" related to the investigation of a January incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight, raising serious safety concerns about the 737 Max aircraft [2][3]. Group 1: Whistleblower Allegations - Ed Pierson, a former senior manager at Boeing, testified that there are existing records contradicting Boeing's claims of no documentation regarding the removal of a door plug on a 737 Max 9 [2][3]. - Pierson stated that he personally provided these documents to the FBI, indicating that an internal whistleblower had sent him the relevant information [2][3]. - He emphasized that discussions about the absence of records are inaccurate, asserting that the documentation has been available for months [3]. Group 2: Investigation and Safety Concerns - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that key bolts securing the door plug were missing, which raises significant safety issues for the 737 Max aircraft [2]. - The FBI is currently investigating whether criminal charges should be filed against Boeing in light of the incident, with passengers being informed they might be victims of a crime [3]. - Boeing's stock has reportedly fallen by a third since the beginning of the year, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by the company [3]. Group 3: Boeing's Response - Boeing has not directly addressed Pierson's allegations but stated that it has taken steps to improve its safety culture since 2020, encouraging employees to voice concerns [4]. - The company maintains that it prioritizes safety and quality, asserting transparency in communications with regulators and stakeholders [4].