Malawi aviation inquiry reveals safety gaps and questions weather narrative

A parliamentary inquiry into the June 10, 2024, plane crash that killed former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others has revealed significant concerns regarding Malawi’s aviation safety and the official narrative of the accident.

Testimony provided to the inquiry suggests that the initial explanation of “bad weather” at Nthungwa lacks factual support. Records indicate visibility at Mzuzu was 8km at the time, which is above the minimum required for landing, and there was no meteorological documentation or warning for the Chikangawa route on the day of the crash.

Furthermore, the investigation has exposed systemic deficiencies in Malawi’s aviation infrastructure. Fredrick Chisepeya, director of Aerodromes and Air Navigation Standards at the Civil Aviation Authority of Malawi (CAAM), warned Parliament that the country risks failing an upcoming International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit. He noted that the aircraft was outside radar coverage when it crashed because Malawi possesses only one secondary flight surveillance radar, which has limited range at lower altitudes. Additionally, Mzuzu Airport was found to fall short of the required protection standards for medium-sized aircraft.