Wild pigs cost Air Zimbabwe US$8,5 million

Struggling national airliner Air Zimbabwe is suing the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe for over US$8,5 million in damages after one of its planes collided with wild pigs on the runway three years ago.

The airline’s MA60 aircraft collided with the pigs at the Harare International Airport runway in November 2009 as it prepared to take off resulting in the flight from Harare to Bulawayo being cancelled.

The aircraft veered off the runway into bushes and two of the 34 passengers sustained minor injuries. The plane was extensively damaged. None of the four-crew members on board was injured.

In its summons filed at the High Court on October 23 this year, Airzim is suing for breach of contract and negligence and argues that CAAZ has, among its many functions, the responsibility to maintain safety standards at airports.