Tanzanian EMB-120 diverted to Kilimanjaro after colliding with zebra during Serengeti take-off

Turboprop suffered landing-gear collapse on touchdown following wildlife strike.
Tanzanian safari flight operator AH Airways has confirmed that an Embraer EMB-120 turboprop collided with a zebra on rotation from a Serengeti National Park airstrip, resulting in a gear collapse while landing at Kilimanjaro airport.

The aircraft – with the Tanzanian registration 5H-HLL – had been operating from Seronera airstrip to Zanzibar’s Karume airport on 4 October.

“As the aircraft reached rotation speed on take-off, a zebra crossed the runway,” says the carrier. “Despite the crew’s efforts to avoid it, the left main landing-gear struck the animal.”

The crew informed air traffic controllers of the situation and, given the potential need for fire, rescue and medical facilities, opted to fly to Kilimanjaro airport about 150nm to the southeast.

“Air traffic control was informed and passengers were briefed and prepared for a possible emergency landing,” says the carrier.

Thirty people, comprising 26 passengers and four crew members, were on board.

The aircraft conducted a low pass upon reaching Kilimanjaro in order for tower controllers to conduct a visual inspection, and they indicated that the landing-gear appeared to be extended.

“As a precaution, the captain shut down the left engine shortly before touchdown to reduce the risk of fire from any fuel leak and to help keep the aircraft under control,” the carrier says.

The left main landing-gear collapsed on landing but the crew kept the turboprop on the runway centreline and brought it to a halt before evacuating those on board.

None of the occupants was injured, the carrier states, adding: “Our crew handled a serious situation with skill and calm, and followed their training from start to finish.”

Tanzania Airports Authority says the landing took place at 11:50 and resulted in temporary suspension of operations – Kilimanjaro has a single runway, designated 09/27. The runway re-opened at 16:20.

“Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the results will be officially announced by the relevant authority once completed,” the airport operator adds.

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