Ex-Boeing Manager Alleges Wisk Aero Skipped Safety Tests

A former manager at Wisk Aero, a Boeing-backed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft company, has alleged that the startup bypassed crucial safety tests to meet development deadlines. The claims, detailed in a complaint filed with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and reported by The Wall Street Journal, center on accusations that Wisk Aero's engineering leadership pressured employees to ignore or downplay safety concerns related to its autonomous flight systems. The former employee, identified as a senior manager, stated that the company's pursuit of a pilotless air taxi capable of carrying passengers was compromised by a rushed development process.

According to the complaint, Wisk Aero allegedly failed to adequately test its autonomous flight system's ability to handle emergency scenarios, such as engine failures or loss of communication. The manager further asserted that the company's leadership actively discouraged reporting of safety issues and retaliated against employees who raised these concerns. These allegations cast doubt on the safety assurances Wisk Aero has made regarding its autonomous air taxi technology, which is intended for commercial passenger transport. The company aims to be among the first to deploy pilotless air taxis for public use.

Wisk Aero, a joint venture between Boeing and Kitty Hawk (which was previously backed by Google co-founder Larry Page), has been developing its Cora aircraft, designed for autonomous urban air mobility. The company has previously stated its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. However, these new allegations suggest a potential conflict between aggressive development timelines and rigorous safety protocols. The OSHA complaint is expected to trigger an investigation into the company's safety practices. Boeing has stated it is taking the allegations seriously and is committed to a thorough review of the matter.