D228, en-route, southwest of Mzuzu, Malawi, 2024

D228, en-route, southwest of Mzuzu, Malawi, 2024

Summary

On 10 June 2024, a Dornier 228 impacted terrain near its destination in Malawi when it entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) when already operating in marginal visual flying conditions in daylight. The aircraft was destroyed and the three crew and six passengers on board were killed. The accident was attributed to the decision to continue flight at a low height over terrain, a lack of pilot situational awareness and inadequate pre-flight preparation. The passengers on the flight were civilians but the aircraft was owned by the Malawi Government and was operated by the Malawi Air Force. 

Description    

On 10 June 2024, a Dornier 228 (registration marking not recorded) operated by the Malawi Air Force on a non-scheduled domestic passenger flight from Lilongwe to Mzuzu in daylight impacted terrain after the flight crew lost forward visibility. They were attempting to manoeuvre both laterally and vertically whilst maintaining visual reference. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and the nine occupants were killed.  

Investigation

An accident investigation in accordance with Annex 13 principles was, at the request of the Malawi Government, delegated to the State of the Manufacturer, Germany. The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) conducted an in-depth Investigation.  

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