The plane involved in disappearance of Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others is a Dornier 228 – a twin-turboprop STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) utility aircraft.

This particular model was designed and built by Dornier GmbH which later became part of DASA Dornier and Fairchild-Dornier.Dornier 228 SpecificationsRole: Utility and Transport Aircraft Manufacturer: Dornier GmbHFirst Flight: 28 March 1981Engines: 2 × Garrett TPE331-5 turboprop Engine, Engine Power (each): 704 shp Maximum Speed: 428 km/h (266 mph)Range: 1,111 km (690 miles)Service Ceiling: 8,534 m (28,000 ft)Capacity: 19 passengers or 2,100 kg (4,630 lb) of cargoCrew: 2Empty Weight: 3,086 kg (6,803 lbs)Max. Takeoff Weight: 5,700 kg (12,566 lbs)Wing Span: 16.97 m (55 ft 8 in)Length: 16.56 m (54 ft 4 in)Height: 4.86 m (15 ft 11 in).