What happened
During the takeoff phase at Harare Airport, an aircraft was in the process of accelerating for departure when it struck five warthogs on the runway. The impact of the collision caused the left main landing gear to be detached from the airframe. Following the loss of the gear, the aircraft became uncontrollable and veered toward the left side of the runway.
The aircraft eventually came to a stop off the paved surface. Despite the severity of the impact and the subsequent excursion, all 38 occupants managed to evacuate the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
- The collision with wildlife during the takeoff roll led to the structural failure of the left main landing gear.
- The impact with five warthogs caused the loss of directional control and the subsequent runway excursion.