Safari Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Tanzania After Striking Zebra on Takeoff

A safari plane carrying 30 passengers and crew made an emergency landing in Tanzania on Sunday after colliding with a zebra during takeoff. The Embraer EMB-120, operated by Sindbard Air, struck the animal on the Seronera airstrip in Serengeti National Park, resulting in damage to its landing gear.

The pilot was forced to divert to Kilimanjaro International Airport, approximately 270 miles east of the park, for an emergency landing. All 26 passengers and four crew members disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.

Dramatic footage captured smoke billowing from the aircraft's left wing as it made contact with the runway during the landing. Emergency crews responded to the scene, and airport officials temporarily shut down operations.

The Seronera Airstrip is a primary hub for flights within Serengeti National Park, a popular tourist destination that draws around 500,000 visitors annually. The park spans territory in northern Tanzania and southwestern Kenya.

This incident follows a similar event in February 2025, when a Tui flight had to make an emergency landing after striking two swans shortly after takeoff. That collision caused visible dents on the aircraft, smeared blood on the cracked windscreen, and damaged electronic systems, leading to costly repairs and several weeks of grounding.