When a plane goes missing, the first hours matter. You want accurate facts fast, but social posts and rumours spread even faster. Here’s a plain guide to what happens, who leads the search, and how to follow trustworthy updates without getting overwhelmed.
Authorities usually start a search within minutes. Local civil aviation authorities, coast guards, and military units coordinate at once. On land, search teams use radar, eyewitness reports, and last-known flight data. Over water, teams try to find debris, use ships, aircraft, and satellite imagery.
Key tech that helps: transponder and ADS‑B signals, ACARS messages, onboard emergency locators (ELTs), and satellite tracking. If those stop sending, investigators piece together radar traces and air traffic control logs to build a timeline. The first 24–72 hours are the most critical for locating a plane or debris.
Different countries have different lead agencies. In many places, a national aviation authority or a specialized accident investigation body takes charge. International groups like ICAO provide standards and technical help if needed.
Start with official sources: the airline, the country’s civil aviation authority, and the lead search agency. These groups post verified updates and corrective statements. Flight-tracking services (FlightRadar24, ADS‑B Exchange) can give technical data, but treat that data carefully—raw feeds need expert interpretation.
Avoid viral posts unless you can confirm them. Check timestamps, source names, and whether mainstream outlets or officials have repeated the story. Look for photos or videos that include location clues and compare them to maps—many fake claims recycle old footage.
If you have family or friends on board, contact the airline’s helpline and the embassy or consulate for your country. Airlines set up hotlines and family assistance centres quickly. Don’t rely only on social media for family notifications; official channels handle passenger lists and next-of-kin contact.
Want to help? The safest options are donating to verified family support funds or local charities designated by authorities. Avoid spreading unverified personal contact details or crash footage—that can cause harm and slow official processes.
As the story unfolds, expect technical updates: last radar contact, search area coordinates, debris reports, and official press briefings. Investigations can take months or years to conclude, so early reports may change. Trust updates that explain what is known, what is being searched, and what evidence led to each step.
We cover aviation news and major incidents with a focus on verified facts. Use this tag page to track related updates and official statements. If you’re looking for live tracking or the latest press release links, check the airline and aviation authority pages first—then come back here for summed-up, verified coverage and easy-to-read summaries.
A Malawi Defense Force plane with Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others on board has disappeared. After leaving Lilongwe, it was expected at Mzuzu International Airport, where it failed to arrive. Authorities are currently unable to establish contact. President Lazarus Chakwera initiates urgent search and rescue efforts.
Read More