An unsecured penguin placed in a cardboard box has been identified as the cause of a helicopter crash in South Africa, according to an official investigation report.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined that the penguin, which was being transported in a box on a passenger’s lap, slid off and struck the pilot’s controls shortly after takeoff from Bird Island off the Eastern Cape on January 19. The impact sent the helicopter crashing to the ground, though fortunately no one aboard, including the penguin, was injured.
Investigators concluded that “the lack of secure containment for the penguin” created the “dangerous situation” that led to the accident.
The report, released this week, explained that the flight had been conducting an aerial survey of the island in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape province. After completing the survey and landing, a specialist requested transport of one penguin back to Port Elizabeth. The document did not specify the reason for transporting the penguin.
According to the aviation authority, the pilot performed a “risk assessment” but failed to include the transport of the penguin in the evaluation, which “was not in accordance with the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011.”
When the helicopter reached approximately 15 meters (50 feet) above ground, the cardboard box slid off the specialist’s lap to the right, causing the cyclic pitch control lever to move to the far-right position. This made the aircraft roll suddenly. Unable to recover control, the main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter ultimately crashed on its starboard side about 20 meters from the takeoff point.
Despite substantial damage to the helicopter, both the pilot and passengers escaped injury, and the penguin remained unharmed.
The report emphasized that all situations should follow “established safety protocols” and comply with aviation safety procedures. It also noted that a proper evaluation of potential hazards, such as shifting cargo, should have been conducted.
“The absence of a proper, secured crate meant that the penguin’s containment was not suitable for the flight conditions,” the report concluded.
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