In brief
In an unusual aviation incident, an unsecured penguin caused a helicopter crash in South Africa when it slid off a passenger's lap and knocked the controls. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
An "unsecured" penguin in a cardboard box was the cause of a helicopter crash in South Africa, as detailed in a recent report. On January 19, following take-off from Bird Island off the Eastern Cape, the penguin, which was resting on a passenger's lap, slid off and accidentally pushed the pilot's controls, leading to a crash. The South African Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the penguin's lack of secure containment contributed to this "dangerous situation."The incident occurred while the helicopter was conducting an aerial survey over Gqeberha. After completing its task, a specialist on board requested the bird's transport to Port Elizabeth, although the report did not specify the reason for the penguin’s retrieval. The aviation authority pointed out that while the pilot performed a "risk assessment," the transport of the penguin was excluded from the evaluation, violating the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) of 2011. The report indicated that around 15 meters (50 feet) above the ground, the box fell and inadvertently displaced the cyclic pitch control lever, causing the helicopter to roll uncontrollably. The rotor blades subsequently struck the ground and the helicopter crashed onto its side approximately 20 meters from where it took off.While the helicopter was significantly damaged, both the pilot and passengers, including the penguin, emerged unharmed. The report emphasized the necessity of adherence to established safety protocols and the evaluation of potential hazards, such as cargo movement, advising that a more appropriate containment method for the penguin was essential for safe flight conditions.
