By : Lloyd Mahachi 

The official inquiry into the plane crash that killed Malawi’s Vice President, Saulos Chilima, has finally revealed the cause of the tragic accident. The investigation was conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Bad weather and human error were identified as the primary causes of the accident. The military aircraft crashed on June 10 in poor weather conditions, with cloudy skies and strong winds contributing to the tragedy.

The plane was traveling in dense fog, which reduced visibility and made it difficult for the pilots to navigate. The pilots lost visual references due to the low cloud cover and strong winds, resulting in a high-speed impact.

The impact was so severe that it caused fatal injuries to all passengers on board. Autopsies confirmed that the passengers suffered high-velocity injuries to the face, chest, and limbs.

The inquiry chairman, Jabbar Alide, stated that there was no evidence of foul play or other causes of death. The investigation found no evidence of animal bites or third-party agents contributing to the crash.

Chilima’s death drew widespread attention due to his strained relationship with President Lazarus Chakwera. The two had won the 2020 presidential election together but had a falling out later on.

Chilima was charged with graft in 2022, but the charges were dropped just a month before the crash. This led to speculation and concerns about the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The United Transformation Movement (UTM), Chilima’s political party, expressed concerns about the crash and prompted the inquiry. The report will now be submitted to President Chakwera, bringing closure to the investigation.

The findings of the inquiry provide a clear understanding of the events leading to the crash. The report highlights the importance of ensuring safe flying conditions and the need for pilots to be trained to handle adverse weather conditions.

The crash has had a significant impact on Malawi, and the report’s findings will help the country to move forward. The investigation’s conclusions will also serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in aviation.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi