<PAGE>
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549



                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934



        Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): April 9, 1996



                               ZAPATA CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
        Delaware                  I-4219          C-74-1339132
<S>                             <C>            <C>
(State or other jurisdiction    (Commission     (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)               File Number)   Identification No.)
 
</TABLE>

                        1717 St. James Place, Suite 550
                              Houston, Texas 77056
             (Address of principal executive offices and zip code)



       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 940-6100

                                       1