A senior Malawi Defence Force officer has raised serious doubts over Parliament’s ongoing inquiry into the June 10, 2024 plane crash, suggesting that MPs may not have the technical expertise needed to properly investigate the incident.

Colonel Julius Clemence Mdokwe, Director of Safety at Zomba Airbase, told the parliamentary ad hoc committee that aircraft accident investigations require highly specialised knowledge that goes beyond legislative oversight.

He warned that without input from aviation accident investigation experts, the committee risks producing findings that may leave key technical questions unanswered.

“In my view, such investigations require specialists who understand aircraft accident analysis in depth,” Mdokwe indicated, adding that the complexity of aviation systems demands trained investigators.

His remarks effectively questioned the capacity of the committee to handle the technical nature of the probe, which is examining circumstances surrounding the crash that killed Vice President Saulos Chilima and others.

Mdokwe suggested that while Parliament has the legal mandate to conduct the inquiry, it should not rely solely on general oversight skills when dealing with highly technical aviation matters.

He further urged the committee to bring in expert assistance, warning that failure to do so could affect the credibility and completeness of the final report.

During his testimony, Mdokwe maintained that the aircraft involved had been cleared as airworthy before departure and had passed required safety checks.

He also told the committee that the aircraft had not exceeded its operational flight hours at the time of the crash.

On the absence of fire at the crash scene, he explained that the engines separated from the aircraft upon impact, reducing conditions necessary for ignition despite the presence of fuel.

Mdokwe insisted there was no evidence of structural failure or mechanical defects that could have caused the accident.

The parliamentary committee continues its hearings as it gathers evidence from various stakeholders linked to the fatal flight.