By Burnett Munthali
In the latest report from German investigators on the tragic plane crash, significant findings have emerged from an analysis of mobile radio data. Due to the lack of radar coverage in the lower airspace north of the TMA Lilongwe, the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) turned to mobile radio data to gain insights into the accident.
The investigation team requested data from the telephone company concerning the mobile devices used by the occupants of the ill-fated aircraft. The provided data revealed that four mobile devices belonging to the three passengers were active and connected to different radio cells during the flight.
This information is crucial as it helps establish a timeline and geographical context for the aircraft’s final moments. The mobile data provides a window into the location of the occupants’ devices, which can be used to reconstruct the flight path and understand the events leading up to the crash.
The findings highlight the importance of integrating various data sources in aviation investigations, especially when standard radar coverage is lacking. The analysis of mobile radio data offers valuable insights into the conditions and movements of the aircraft, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the accident.
