Malawi parliamentary inquiry examines meteorological gaps in Chilima plane crash

The Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee investigating the June 10, 2024, plane crash that killed former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others has received testimony regarding meteorological failures. Lucy Mtilatila, Director of the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS), informed the committee that her department was not notified of the VVIP flight to Mzuzu.

As a result, no dedicated aviation meteorological forecaster was deployed to Mzuzu Airport to support ground operations, a standard procedure for such flights. Mtilatila noted that while weather observers were present at Mzuzu, aviation meteorologists are typically based at Kamuzu International Airport or Chileka. She stated that without advance notice, the department could not provide en-route weather documentation or briefings for the crew.

Separately, the committee is considering subpoenaing former Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu. Kunkuyu has made claims regarding the discovery and preservation of the aircraft’s black box. Committee chairperson Walter Nyamilandu Manda indicated that Kunkuyu may be called to testify during the inquiry’s third and final phase, which will focus on engaging politicians linked to the tragedy.