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(Based on a quick analysis by a German expert from Dornier’s manufacturer research department)
After the BFU released its interim report, I had a brief chat this morning with my German friend Hans W, an experienced aerospace engineer (now retired) who previously worked for the manufacturer Dorniers, about his thoughts on the report. His quick response was: “This report is weak and it raises more questions for the people of Malawia than it provides answers for the families who have lost loved ones.”
This is what this expert mentioned (due to traveling today, he will provide a detailed analysis over the weekend).
Key flaws and unanswered questions in Malawian Air Force crash report
The interim report on the tragic crash of Malawi Dornier 228-202(K) has raised major concerns due to a number of gaps and unanswered questions. While the report provides a detailed description of the sequence of events, it falls short in key areas that could shed light on the true cause of the accident.
Here are some of the key weaknesses in the report and some of the key issues that arise:
- Unrecorded Communications:
The lack of recorded communications between the crew and air traffic control is a major vulnerability. Without these recordings, we have no understanding of the crew’s decision-making process and any instructions they received. This is the biggest vulnerability mentioned by Hans.
Why were these communications not recorded?
Would some critical exchange have taken place that might have changed the outcome?
- Unexplained flying maneuvers:
The report documented erratic flight maneuvers, such as unexpected turns and altitude changes, but failed to adequately explain them.
Are these movements a response to external conditions, or do they hint at deeper problems such as mechanical failure, disagreement, or disorientation?
- Mobile phone data:
While mobile phone data was mentioned in the report, its impact was not explored in depth.
Could this data tell us anything about the final moments of a flight? Why hasn’t it been thoroughly analyzed?
- Weather conditions
While the report noted that the weather at Mzuzu Airport was bad, it did not fully explore whether the crew was adequately prepared or aware of the situation. The report did not include details of the conversation between the crew and air traffic control. As the flight took off from Mzuzu, weather conditions alone could not explain the flight’s condition.
Did the crew have adequate weather data? Was their decision to proceed prudent given the circumstances?
- Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) not functioning properly
The ELTs are vital to search and rescue operations, but their batteries failed in 2004. As a result, the President and Vice President were flying without a functioning ELT.
Why wasn’t this critical equipment maintained? Is this indicative of a wider maintenance lapse?
- Lack of flight data and cockpit voice recorders
Due to the lack of the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), there are major gaps in the understanding of the cause of the accident.
Was this an oversight in safety measures, especially for military flights? What critical information were we missing by not having these measures in place?
- Search and rescue operations delayed
Search and rescue operations were hampered by a non-functioning emergency transmitter (ELT) and poor visibility, delaying the discovery of the crash site.
Would a more timely response provide more evidence, and what improvements are needed in SAR protocols?
- Outdated navigation equipment
Reports indicate that some navigation aids are outdated or unusable.
What impact does the lack of reliable navigation tools have on flying, especially in bad weather conditions?
- Post-accident wreckage handling:
Movement of the wreckage during the recovery process could disrupt crucial evidence.
Would this affect the integrity of the investigation or obscure important clues?
- Lack of detailed maintenance history
The report does not provide a detailed maintenance history of the aircraft, which would be essential to understanding any pre-existing mechanical issues.
Was the aircraft properly maintained? Did an unresolved problem contribute to the crash?
“This report leaves many critical questions unanswered and highlights weaknesses that need to be addressed to uncover the true causes of the accident. Further investigation, more thorough analysis and addressing of these gaps are needed to ensure a complete understanding of this tragic event. The families of the victims and the aviation community deserve clarity and assurance that all aspects of the accident have been fully investigated.”
I will share more information once Hans brings me the full report.
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