Chilima's Plane Crash Inquiry Report Reveals Key Findings

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

The Commission of Inquiry established to investigate the plane crash that claimed the lives of Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others has presented its report at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe.

The commission’s report indicates that the probable cause of the accident was a combination of human and environmental factors. Specifically, the weather conditions on June 10, 2024, at Nthungwa in Nkhatabay, where the accident occurred, were extremely bad, leading to the disorientation of the pilots.

The commission found that the accident was not survivable, and death had occurred by the time the bodies were dismembered.

Unfortunately, nearly all the bodies were disfigured, and families were advised not to view them to avoid trauma.

Interestingly, the commission reported that the condolence money meant for the Kosambara family, amounting to K5 million, which the government had authorized and handed over to Chilima by Mr. Sikwese, was not found in the wreckage of the plane.

The commission’s report also highlighted other key findings, including the weather on the day of the accident was extremely bad, with heavy rainfall and strong winds.

It said the pilots were disoriented due to the bad weather conditions, leading to the accident. The accident was not survivable, and all nine occupants on board lost their lives.

The commission’s report provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the accident and highlights the need for improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.