The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) has successfully retrieved critical audio and other material from the black box of the aircraft that crashed, resulting in the death of Malawian Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others. This development marks a significant step forward in uncovering the reasons behind the tragic accident.
The BFU announced on its website that the data extraction from the military Dornier 228-202(K), which crashed on 10th June, would significantly aid in the ongoing investigation. “During the investigation of the wreckage, a Global Positioning System (GPS) was secured and later transported to the BFU. In the recorder and avionics laboratory of the BFU, the data of the accident flight and other flights stored in the GPS could be read out. These will now be analysed very thoroughly. This will take some time,” stated the BFU.
At the request of the Malawian government, through the German government, the BFU initiated the investigation in collaboration with Malawi’s Civil Aviation Authority and the Malawi Defence Force.
The domestic military flight from Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, to the northern city of Mzuzu ended in disaster when the plane crashed into a hill within the Chikangawa Forest reserve under what the BFU described as “marginal weather conditions”.
Investigators from the BFU conducted comprehensive examinations at the accident site, the departure and destination aerodromes, and the aircraft’s home base.
An Interim Report will be published following an extensive analysis, detailing the facts gathered up to that point. The BFU confirmed that a Final Report, which will include an analysis of the facts, conclusions, causes, and potential safety recommendations, will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.
In the wake of the accident and the vice president’s death, there were calls for an independent investigation from political parties, civil society leaders, and the family of Vice President Chilima. President Lazarus Chakwera responded affirmatively to these demands, ensuring a thorough and independent investigation.
This ongoing investigation by the BFU and its partners underscores the commitment to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event, aiming to provide answers and improve future aviation safety standards.
