A devastating plane crash in Malawi has claimed the life of Zimbabwean pilot Captain Fungai Majakwara (50) and one passenger, while another passenger narrowly escaped with injuries. The incident occurred on Tuesday when their aircraft plunged into Lake Malawi, sending shockwaves through the aviation community.
The Crash and Recovery Efforts
The privately-owned Cessna C210 aircraft, registration number 7QPFU, went down in Malawi’s Nkhotakota District, approximately 200km northeast of the capital, Lilongwe. The plane belonged to Nyasa Express, a Malawian company where Captain Majakwara served as managing director.
Local authorities, led by Nkhotakota District Commissioner Ben Matengeni Tonho, mobilized a search and recovery operation with the crucial support of local fishermen and community members. Their efforts led to the discovery of the wreckage and the recovery of the bodies on Wednesday, a day after the crash.
“We mobilized the support of locals and fishermen, and through their efforts, we managed to retrieve the bodies and the wreckage,” Mr. Matengeni stated. “The bodies have since been taken to a district hospital mortuary.”
Flight Details and Survivor Account
The ill-fated flight departed from Tongole Airfield in Nkhotakota Game Reserve on Tuesday at 2:06 PM, destined for Liwonde National Park. The Cessna C210, typically capable of carrying up to six people, was carrying two passengers in addition to Captain Majakwara.
Among the passengers was 24-year-old Dutch national Charlotte Lemstra, who miraculously survived the crash. Local fishermen rescued Ms. Lemstra, who is currently receiving treatment for minor injuries at a nearby hospital. Her survival account may prove crucial in understanding the events leading to the crash.
Preliminary reports based on the survivor’s testimony suggest that Captain Majakwara may have lost consciousness mid-air, potentially leading to the tragic incident. The crash occurred just 45 minutes before the plane was scheduled to land.
Investigation and Previous Incidents
The cause of the crash is still under thorough investigation. The Nyasa Times, a Malawian daily publication, reported that the last satellite position of the plane placed it approximately 70 kilometers south of Nkhotakota, near the shoreline of Lake Malawi.
This tragic event comes on the heels of another recent aviation disaster in Malawi. On June 10, a separate incident claimed the lives of the country’s Vice President, Saulosi Klaus Chilima, and eight others. Investigations into that crash are also ongoing, highlighting a concerning pattern in the region’s aviation safety.
Captain Fungai Majakwara: A Life in Aviation
Captain Majakwara was an experienced pilot with an extensive background in airline, corporate, and charter flying. His expertise and leadership as the managing director of Nyasa Express underscored his commitment to aviation in the region.
The loss of Captain Majakwara is deeply felt not only in the aviation community but also by his family. He leaves behind a wife and three children, who are based in Lilongwe. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by pilots and the importance of rigorous safety measures in aviation.
Impact on Regional Aviation
This incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, particularly given the recent string of accidents. Lake Malawi, the third-largest lake in Africa, spanning approximately 580 kilometers and covering more than half the length of the country, presents unique challenges for aviation and rescue operations.
As investigations continue, the aviation industry and regulatory bodies will likely scrutinize safety protocols and pilot health monitoring systems to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The loss of Captain Majakwara and his passenger, along with the narrow escape of Ms. Lemstra, serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation and the importance of continuous improvement in safety measures.
