Safari Plane Lands Safely After Striking Zebra During Takeoff

Safari Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Zebra Strike

A Sindbard Air turboprop carrying 30 people made an emergency landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport on October 4, 2026, after striking a zebra during takeoff. The aircraft was departing Seronera Airstrip in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park when the collision occurred. All 26 passengers and four crew members on board escaped the incident without reported injuries.

The Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia, registered as 5H-HLL, was en route to Zanzibar when the animal strike happened. The zebra died in the collision, and the aircraft sustained significant damage. The pilots reported that the main landing gear failed to extend, forcing them to divert to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, the pilots performed a belly landing, bringing the plane down on its underside.

Emergency Landing Procedures

The flight crew made the decision to divert after the zebra strike. They managed to reach Kilimanjaro International Airport, located about 270 kilometers east of Seronera Airstrip. Emergency crews were on standby as the aircraft approached the runway. The pilots landed the plane on Runway 09 with the main landing gear still retracted.

Video footage from the scene showed the aircraft sliding along the runway, creating smoke and debris as its underside scraped the pavement. The plane eventually came to a stop, and passengers and crew were able to evacuate safely. The incident temporarily halted airport operations for approximately five hours while the aircraft was secured and removed from the runway. Flights resumed later that afternoon.

Investigation into the Incident

The Tanzania Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Branch has opened an inquiry into the events. Investigators are examining the wildlife strike and the subsequent landing-gear malfunction. Reports suggest that the landing gear may have been damaged during the takeoff roll when the aircraft hit the zebra. However, officials have not yet officially confirmed that the collision directly caused the gear failure.

The investigation will aim to determine the exact sequence of events, including whether the initial strike led to the mechanical issue with the landing gear. The findings will be crucial in understanding how the incident unfolded and in developing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Aircraft Operator and Owner Details

While news accounts identify Sindbard Air as the operator of the aircraft, Tanzania’s civil aircraft register reportedly lists Angelic Handlers Company Limited as the operator. The register also indicates that the Ministry of Interior of South Sudan is the owner of the aircraft. This discrepancy between the airline name commonly used in reporting and the official registered operator and owner is part of the ongoing investigation. The flight originated from Seronera Airstrip within Serengeti National Park, highlighting the challenges of operating in areas with abundant wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions