By Burnett Munthali
The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) has announced that it will release an interim report on the plane crash that claimed the life of former Malawian Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others. The report is anticipated to be published by the end of August on the BFU’s website, outlining the facts gathered so far in the ongoing investigation.
The BFU investigation team, in collaboration with experts from the Civil Aviation Administration of Malawi and the Malawi Armed Forces, has been diligently working to determine the cause of the tragic crash. The team has conducted inspections at the accident site, as well as at both the departure and destination aerodromes, and the airplane’s home base.
The incident occurred on June 10, 2024, when the plane carrying the nine individuals crashed into Chikangawa Hill. While the interim report is expected to provide initial insights, the BFU will also release a final report in the future, which will offer a comprehensive analysis, conclusions, and safety recommendations.
Dr. Ben Chilima, a representative of the family, has expressed keen anticipation for the interim report’s findings, as reported by MIJ Online.
However, there has been some criticism regarding the involvement of the Malawi Armed Forces in the investigation. Potipher Mickson and Henri Rhyce have both voiced concerns, questioning the trustworthiness of the Armed Forces based on their performance during the search efforts. Rhyce specifically mentioned that the involvement of the Malawi Armed Forces may undermine the credibility of the investigation.
David Kapopo Mhango hopes that family members, independent observers, and legal representatives are included in the investigative process to ensure the report’s trustworthiness. Meanwhile, Menard Chirwa remains skeptical about whether the forthcoming report will meet expectations.
The interim report is expected to shed light on the initial findings, with the final report anticipated to provide a thorough account of the investigation’s conclusions.
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