A military aviation engineer has urged the Malawi Government to ensure that qualified aviation experts take a leading role in investigating the military aircraft crash that claimed the lives of Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others, warning that a lack of technical expertise could undermine efforts to establish the truth.
Engineer Colonel Julius Mdokhwe, an aircraft maintenance specialist within the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), expressed concern over the composition of Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating the June 10, 2024 crash. He argued that the committee lacks members with aviation expertise, making it difficult to conduct a technically sound inquiry.faith leaders clash over plane crash inquiry
Mdokhwe said investigations into aircraft accidents require specialized knowledge, and without experts capable of understanding aviation systems, maintenance procedures, flight operations and accident investigation protocols, the committee risks producing conclusions that are not supported by technical evidence.
He cautioned that the inquiry could easily become a platform for political accusations and blame rather than a professional search for facts if technical issues are not handled by qualified personnel.
The military engineer further advised the committee to distinguish between military aircraft and civilian aircraft when conducting its investigations. According to Mdokhwe, the operational procedures, maintenance standards, mission requirements and regulatory frameworks governing military aircraft differ significantly from those of civilian aviation.Chikangawa Plane Crash Inquiry Uncovers New Leads as Parliamentary Committee Deepens Investigation
He said committee members should focus on asking technically relevant questions that can assist investigators in uncovering the actual cause of the crash instead of relying on assumptions or speculation.
Mdokhwe emphasized that only a credible, evidence-based investigation conducted with the support of aviation professionals can restore public confidence and provide the victims’ families with clear answers about what led to one of Malawi’s deadliest aviation disasters.Why the Chikangawa Plane Crash Investigation Is Taking Too Long-Jumbe
His remarks come as Parliament’s special committee continues gathering evidence and hearing testimonies from various witnesses as part of its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash that killed Vice President Chilima and eight others aboard the Malawi Defence Force aircraft. The committee’s findings are expected to shape public understanding of the tragedy and inform any recommendations aimed at improving aviation safety and accountability.
