An Embraer 120 aircraft with Tanzanian registration 5H-HLL was forced to perform an emergency gear-up landing at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) in Northern Tanzania on October 4, 2026. The incident occurred between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon East African time. Video clips obtained by The Tanzania Times show the white aircraft dragging itself on its belly along the terminal runway after the emergency landing.
The aircraft, which bears Tanzanian registration, experienced trouble in deploying its landing gear, compelling the pilots to perform the emergency belly landing. The Kilimanjaro International Airport is a major air terminal situated between Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions in Tanzania's Northern tourism circuit. The airport serves as a gateway to popular tourist attractions like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
The incident occurred less than 50 kilometers from Mount Kilimanjaro and about 45 kilometers from Arusha City. At the time of the incident, many international guests were arriving in Northern Tanzania to attend various meetings in Arusha City. The cause of the incident and the number of people on board the aircraft are still unknown.
The Tanzania Civil Air Accident Investigation Branch (TCAAIB) has launched a probe into the incident. According to information, the TCAAIB may release a report on the incident later. So far, there have been no reports of casualties. The incident is a reminder of the increasing number of aircraft accidents in recent times.
The Embraer 120 aircraft is a twin-engine turboprop plane that is commonly used for short-haul flights. The aircraft's registration number, 5H-HLL, suggests that it is owned and operated by a Tanzanian entity, but the specific operator is still unknown. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in Tanzania.
The Kilimanjaro International Airport is a major hub for tourism in Northern Tanzania, and the incident has highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of aircraft operations in the region. The TCAAIB's investigation is expected to shed light on the cause of the incident and identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident at Kilimanjaro International Airport is the latest in a series of aircraft incidents in Tanzania. Aviation experts have expressed concerns about the safety of air travel in the country, and the government has pledged to take steps to improve aviation safety.
Key points
- The incident occurred at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Northern Tanzania on October 4, 2026.
- The Embraer 120 aircraft experienced trouble in deploying its landing gear, leading to an emergency belly landing.
- The Tanzania Civil Air Accident Investigation Branch has launched a probe into the incident.
