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The aviation industry, already under intense scrutiny, faces another challenge. Joshua Dean, 45, was the 2nd whistleblower to die within two months. Dean was a former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems, regarding safety concerns in Boeing’s 737 MAX. 

Dean made serious allegations about manufacturing defects being overlooked by company leadership.

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2nd Whistleblower 

Dean also raised concerns over his employer, a Boeing supplier, Spirit AeroSystems. 

He filed a complaint to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) claiming “serious and gross misconduct by senior quality management of the 737-production line” had taken place at Spirit.

He also testified in a shareholder lawsuit against Spirit AeroSystems in December 2023. 

According to Supply Chain Dive, shareholders alleged that Spirit “concealed from investors that Spirit suffered from widespread and sustained quality failures,” and that “quality failures occurred because the company was chasing profits.”

Dean was fired from Spirit AeroSystems in April 2023, allegedly in retaliation for raising safety concerns. Whistleblowers speaking out against corporate misconduct are often risking their career.

“Our thoughts are with Josh Dean’s family. This sudden loss is stunning news here and for his loved ones,” Spirit spokesperson Joe Buccino said.

Whistleblowers’ Deaths

Dean's disclosures, along with those of the late John Barnett, have highlighted systemic issues plaguing aviation manufacturing, raising questions about regulatory oversight and corporate accountability.

Previously believed to be in good health, Dean died from a fast-moving infection, compounded by complications from Influenza B, MRSA, and pneumonia. He was in a coma for 2-weeks before his passing on Tuesday. 

The first whistleblower John Barnett,62 was found dead in his truck in a hotel parking lot in South Carolina in March.

Barnett was a former quality control engineer, worked at Boeing for 32 years. He retired for health reasons in March 2017.

Safety Concerns and 1st Quarter Losses

The same attorney also represented Barnett who had spoken out about alleged safety problems at Boeing. And had been giving evidence in a lawsuit against the company prior to his death. Barnett alleged that Boeing intentionally used defective parts in its planes and warned that passengers on its 787 Dreamliner might face a lack of oxygen if a sudden decompression occurred.

Four whistleblowers complained to the FAA after a series of safety related accidents connected to Boeing over the past year. Two of the four whistleblowers are now dead.

 In January, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9’s door plug blew off in mid-air. This led the FAA to ground all 171 MAX 9 jets during an ongoing investigation. 

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, announced in March that he would step down at the end of 2024. And the company reports a $355 million net loss for its first quarter of this year.

The legacy of whistleblowers like Dean and Barnett serves as a rallying cry for industry-wide reforms aimed at safeguarding passenger safety and restoring confidence in commercial aviation.