Aircraft Hits Zebra During Takeoff in Tanzania, Makes Belly Landing
An Embraer EMB-120 aircraft departing from Seronera Airstrip in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park for Zanzibar struck a zebra during takeoff. Following the collision, the aircraft experienced landing gear problems and diverted to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
The aircraft, registered 5H-HLL, was carrying 26 passengers and four crew members, for a total of 30 people. It made a belly landing with its landing gear retracted. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated following the landing, and no injuries were reported.
Kilimanjaro International Airport was closed to flights for approximately five hours due to the incident. Tanzania’s air accident investigation authority has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and the damage sustained by the aircraft.
