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2026-09-02 04:12 UTC → 2026-09-05 08:26 UTC ·
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A Malawian The parliamentary inquiry is investigating into the June 10, 2024, plane crash that killed Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others. The investigation others has focused on weather conditions, expanded to include theories of pilot decision-making, incapacitation and meteorological service protocols. Testimony from meteorological officials security failures. Retired Major General Robray Ishmael testified that flight data indicated unusual aircraft movements, including tight turns, loops, and a sharp descent from 8,600 feet to 5,500 feet, which he characterized as a “dive.” Ishmael suggested these movements could point to pilot incapacitation or disorientation, raising questions about the adequacy of routine aviation medical examinations. He also noted that flying at a lower altitude than the Department Dornier aircraft was capable of Climate Change may have hindered radar detection and Meteorological Services was not notified communication. Regarding airport security, Assistant Commissioner of Police Alex Simenti admitted that members of the Vice-President’s entourage bypassed standard metal detectors and X-ray screening. The group entered through the VVIP flight to Mzuzu. Consequently, no dedicated aviation meteorologist was deployed gate directly to the airport, and apron because the crew did not receive en-route weather briefings. While one official testified that visibility Vice-President was approximately eight kilometres and sufficient for landing despite overcast skies and drizzle, a retired military pilot argued already boarding. Additionally, air traffic controller Henry Magombo confirmed that an experienced crew should have assessed American-registered aircraft was in the risks and potentially grounded vicinity of the flight. The inquiry is moving toward a third phase that will involve engaging politicians. This may include subpoenaing former Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu regarding claims about crash site on the discovery and preservation day of the aircraft’s black box. Recent testimony has challenged incident, having flown from and returned to Kamuzu International Airport. The inquiry continues to challenge the official narrative that “bad weather” at Nthungwa caused the accident, narrative, noting that visibility at Mzuzu was 8km—above the minimum required for landing—and that no meteorological warnings existed for the Chikangawa route that day. Furthermore, the inquiry has exposed systemic route. Systemic infrastructure deficiencies. 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 the aircraft was outside deficiencies remain a central concern, including Malawi’s limited radar coverage during the crash because Malawi possesses only one secondary flight surveillance radar with limited low-altitude range. Additionally, and Mzuzu Airport was found Airport’s failure to fall short of required meet protection standards for medium-sized aircraft.