Did he actually use the k-word? If that is the case, then he clearly wasn't thinking, regardless of what the technician might have done or not done. In the world of today its very dangerous to say what one thinks. Everybody is learning how to be a diplomat, some take a little longer than others and some don't learn at all and get one free pass after the other.....
His career won't be lost completely. With his hours and experience he will get another job, but not the same money and he might have to move. Maybe thats a good thing, move somewhere where you have ground support staff who actually take their jobs seriously.