Tanzania plane strikes zebra during takeoff, forcing emergency landing

A Sindbard Air Embraer EMB-120ER Brasilia carrying 30 people, including 26 passengers and four crew members, performed an emergency landing in Tanzania after striking a zebra during takeoff. The incident occurred around 11:30 AM on Sunday, October 4, at the Seronera Airstrip within Serengeti National Park as the aircraft was bound for Zanzibar.

Following the collision, which killed the animal, the aircraft reportedly experienced landing gear issues. The crew diverted the flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport, where the plane sustained substantial damage and produced smoke plumes during its landing. All 30 individuals on board were evacuated safely without injury.

Tanzanian aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision and whether the impact resulted in the mechanical failure. Operations at Kilimanjaro International Airport were temporarily suspended following the event.