Two plane crashes at one airport. The recordings have been published online
First, one plane skidded off the runway, and then the second plane hit a nearby structure. It all happened at the same airport in one day.
2 Unity Air Embraer EMB120 aircraft were injured in two separate accidents on the same Tanzanian airport runway in one day. Fortunately, no one was hurt in any of them. A recording has appeared online showing what happened at an African airport.
Two plane crashes in one day
Embraer EMB120s operated by Zanzibar’s Unity Air were involved in two separate accidents at Kikoboga Airport in Tanzania. The first incident involved a landing gear problem that caused the plane to veer off the runway. In the second incident, the machine struck a nearby structure.
The planes were carrying 30 passengers each and an investigation was launched. The incidents occurred approximately 6 hours apart. It is worth adding that Kikoboga Airport serves Mikumi National Park, which is a popular tourist destination.
First incident
According to the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), the first incident occurred on November 28 at around 3:40 p.m. local time. The Unity Air EMB120 aircraft with registration number 5H-MJH was flying from Zanzibar. While approaching the Kikobogi runway, the flight crew reported a landing gear problem. After landing, the plane skidded off the runway and stopped in a nearby field. Videos posted online show the vehicle resting on its right wing. There were 33 people on board, including 30 passengers, two pilots and one cabin crew member. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the passengers were able to engage in their activities in the reserve.
The second event
The second incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. local time. Another Unity Air EMB120 aircraft with registration number 5H-FLM, which flew from Kikoboga to Zanzibar, was involved. While accelerating down the runway, the front part of the plane fell and, after failing to stop, it hit a nearby structure. Clouds of smoke were visible where the plane stopped. Fortunately, in this case, no one was hurt, although there were 34 people on board, including 30 passengers, two pilots and two stewardesses. A replacement flight was arranged for passengers and the runway, which remained intact, continued to service flights as usual.
Tanzania’s National Parks Authority has contacted the Air Accidents Investigation Board (AAIB) to initiate further investigation into the incidents that occurred on November 28.
