When you sell to airlines in under-developed countries, you sometimes come across some pretty unusual situations. Air Zimbabwe, the overseas launch customer for the Xian Aircraft MA60, has damaged one of its Chinese-built aircraft after it hit a warthog.
That's right. A warthog. And pigs can't fly.
The aircraft, UM-239, hit the animal at night (4 November) as it was trying to take off from Harare airport.
None of the 34 passengers on board were injured but the aircraft reportedly sustained substantial damage and is still grounded. The reports fail to mention the damage to the aircraft.
Last time I checked my atlas, Zimbabwe was a country and Harare was the capital. It is shocking that stray animals are able to wander onto the runway of a capital city airport. It also highlights the problems Chinese aircraft-makers face in selling to operators in such poor and under-developed markets.
on November 6, 2009 7:51 AM | Reply
Due to the ensuing homo-sapien induced famine in that portion of the world, widespread hunger prevails in the animal kingdom. The warthog omnivore was part of a pack attempting to take on a herd of motorized "elephants", hoping to corrall one to the direction of the herd for the kill.
While beast did rumble in the direction of the warthog pack, the pack sustained major casualties in the midst of bringing the beast down. Meanwhile, the injured beast requires medical attention that does not seem forthcoming, and may die from its injuries.
Just a page off the National Geographic Channel.
:-)