Netflix Documentary 'Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing' Investigates Manufacturing Negligence and Whistleblower Death
A new Netflix documentary, 'Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing,' delves into Boeing's manufacturing negligence and the tragic death of whistleblower John Barnett. The film, directed by Kennedy, explores the company's struggles with its safety record, highlighted by incidents such as the January 2024 Alaska Airlines flight where a 737 Max 9 plane lost a rear door plug mid-flight. This incident, which fortunately resulted in no fatalities, was attributed to improperly fitted outsourced fuselage and door plug parts, a consequence of Boeing's cost-cutting measures. A central figure in the documentary is John Barnett, who worked in quality control at Boeing for 32 years and made detailed reports on the company's manufacturing negligence. Barnett was found dead from a gunshot wound in March 2024 while giving a deposition against Boeing in South Carolina, with the Charleston County coroner ruling it a self-inflicted wound. Barnett's interviews form a significant part of the film, providing a 'defining thread' to th... 
