The Unfolding Tragedy: Chilima Plane Crash Analysis and its Aftermath in 2025

The nation of Malawi continues to grapple with the profound loss of former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight others, following the tragic plane crash on June 10, 2024.

Christened the “Chilima Plane Crash,” the incident claimed the lives of prominent figures, including former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, sent shockwaves across the country and prompted a period of national mourning.

The Chilima plane crash took place a few hours after take off from Lilongwe International Airport, leaving families and communities in mourning.

Chilima, a prominent political figure known for his advocacy for economic reform and social justice, was travelling to attend the funeral of renowned lawyer and former Attorney General Raphael Kasambara in his lakeshore home district, Nkhata Bay.

The crash has caused profound heartbreak among his loved ones and rippled through the fabric of Malawian society, sparking widespread sorrow and reflection on his contributions to the country.

As questions surrounding the recent investigations into the cause of the crash linger, Malawians honour the memory of the former vice president and the other victims, expressing their grief through various tributes, including candlelight vigils and memorial services across the nation spearheaded mainly by members of the political party he founded, the United Transformation Party (UTM).

Malawi Spotlight Team delves into the events surrounding the crash, the subsequent investigation, and the varied reactions to the findings, drawing upon available reports and expert commentary to provide a comprehensive overview.

The Fateful Flight

The Chilima plan crash report issued by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry was broadcast live on some local television stations, including Times 360 Malawi.

On that Monday morning, a military aircraft, a Dornier 228-202K operated by the Malawi Army Air Wing, departed Lilongwe at approximately 9:00 am (07:00 GMT). Its destination was Mzuzu International Airport, roughly 370 kilometres (230 miles) to the north.

The passengers were en route to attend the funeral of a former justice minister, a sombre task that underscored the close-knit nature of Malawi’s political and social landscape.

However, the flight never reached its intended destination.

Al Jazeera was one of the international media outlets that reported on the missing plane. They quoted sources from the Mzuzu control tower, stating, “As the plane approached Mzuzu, the control tower informed the aircraft that it could not land due to bad weather and instructed it to turn around and return to Lilongwe.”

This instruction, attributed to adverse weather conditions, proved to be the last communication received from the aircraft. Soon after the plane disappeared from radar, initiating a frantic search and rescue operation. The challenging terrain and poor visibility hampered the initial efforts, prolonging the agonizing wait for news.

President Lazarus Chakwera addressed the nation, his words heavy with grief: “The search and rescue team have found the aircraft … completely destroyed with no survivors, as all passengers on board were killed on impact,” he said in a televised address to the nation, as reported by Al Jazeera.

“Words cannot describe how heart-breaking this is,” he added, calling the Chilima plane crash a “terrible tragedy”.

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry

In the wake of the tragedy, President Chakwera established a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Chilima plane crash.

The commission, composed of multi-stakeholder experts in Malawi, was tasked with determining the cause of the accident and providing recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

After months of meticulous investigation, the commission submitted its report. Various news outlets reported that the findings pointed to adverse weather conditions as a primary factor in the crash.

According to Barron’s report, the Chilima plane crash in June was due to bad weather.

The report also highlighted the pilots’ decision-making in light of the weather conditions.

While acknowledging their experience, the commission raised questions about their adherence to standard operating procedures and their assessment of the risks involved in continuing the flight.

Malawi24 quoted the report saying, “the crew ought to have exercised caution considering the reported adverse weather”

Key Findings and Controversies

While the commission’s report largely attributed the Chilima plane crash to weather and human error, it also addressed the persistent rumours and conspiracy theories that had circulated since the incident.

As reported by The Malawi Nation, the inquiry findings stated that there was no foul play in Chilima’s plane crash, seemingly dismissing any speculation of external interference or sabotage.

However, the report was not without its critics. Some commentators, including those at Malawi Freedom Network, questioned the thoroughness of the investigation and raised concerns about potential omissions or biases.

They highlighted specific details, such as the communication between Dr. Sikwese and the late Vice President, suggesting that these aspects deserved closer scrutiny.

One of the more detailed critiques came from Malawi24, which published a “critical analysis” of the commission’s report.

The analysis questioned the commission’s methodology, reliance on certain evidence, and overall conclusions.

It argued that the report failed to provide a comprehensive and satisfactory explanation for the Chilima plane crash and that key questions remained unanswered.

Reactions and Repercussions

The release of the commission’s report on the Chilima plane crash triggered a range of reactions across Malawi.

While some accepted the findings as credible and conclusive, others expressed scepticism and called for further investigation.

The debate reflected the deep divisions within Malawian society and the lingering distrust of government institutions.

The SABC quoted Chairperson of the Commission, Justice Jabbar Alide,concluding that “the Commission took cognisance of the fact that there was clear evidence that the aircraft was duly maintained and inspected in accordance with manufacturers’ maintenance instructions.” 

However, the Chilima plane crash report did not quell the speculation surrounding the incident, and many Malawians continue to seek answers and closure.

Political analysts weighed in on the potential repercussions of the report. Some suggested that it could help to quell political tensions and allow the country to move forward.

Others warned that the lingering doubts and conspiracy theories could continue to fuel instability and undermine public trust.

Chilima Plane Crash TimeLine

Here’s a timeline of key events surrounding the plane crash that killed Chilima and nine others:

The Enduring Legacy

At Malawi Spotlight, we conclude by acknowledging that Saulos Klaus Chilima’s passing marks a profound loss for the nation of Malawi.

Former President Joyce Banda conveyed this sentiment to the AFP, stating, “Our country has suffered the departure of a remarkable intellect; we have lost a true champion whose unparalleled expertise in commerce and industry was pivotal. He firmly believed that a robust private sector is the driving force behind economic growth and prosperity.”

Chilima’s significant impact on Malawi will be profoundly felt, especially in his efforts to cultivate a dynamic business climate that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

His initiatives played a crucial role in creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

Furthermore, his commitment to sustainable development paved the way for environmentally friendly practices and policies prioritising future generations’ well-being.

Many will remember him for his leadership and vision in transforming Malawi into a more prosperous and sustainable nation.

The Chilima plane crash not only resulted in a devastating loss of life but also brought to the forefront critical issues concerning aviation safety protocols, the transparency of government actions, and the imperative for accountability in the aviation sector.

Yes, of course, the Presidential Commission of Inquiry’s report offers some insights and preliminary findings into the Chilima plane crash, but it has simultaneously ignited intense dialogue and scrutiny among experts, stakeholders, and the public.

Many are questioning whether existing safety measures are sufficient and whether the governmental response has adequately addressed the concerns raised by this tragic event.

The need for more transparent communication and responsibility in managing such crises has never been more evident. As Malawi continues to mourn the loss of its former Vice President, the lessons learned from this tragedy must be carefully considered.

It is essential to strengthen aviation safety standards, improve communication and coordination between air traffic control and flight crews, and promote a culture of transparency and accountability within government institutions.

Implementing comprehensive safety measures and community education programmes is crucial to preventing similar tragedies in the future. In doing so, the nation would not only take proactive steps to protect its citizens but also pay homage to the memories of those who tragically lost their lives.

Only then can Malawi hope to prevent more potential tragedies akin to the Chilima plane crash in the future and honour the memory of those who were lost.