An unsecured penguin has been identified as the cause of a helicopter crash in South Africa, according to a report released by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. The incident occurred on January 19, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Bird Island, located off the Eastern Cape. The penguin, which had been placed in a cardboard box on the lap of a passenger, slid off during the flight and struck the pilot’s controls, causing the helicopter to crash to the ground. Fortunately, no one on board, including the penguin, was injured.
The flight had initially been conducting an aerial survey of Bird Island, located near Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape province. After the survey was completed, the helicopter landed, and a specialist requested the penguin be transported back to Port Elizabeth. The report did not provide details on why the penguin had been picked up, but the aviation authority noted that the failure to secure it properly contributed to the subsequent accident.
According to the report, the pilot had conducted a risk assessment prior to takeoff; however, the transport of the penguin was not considered in the assessment, which violated Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011. The lack of proper containment for the penguin created a dangerous situation when the cardboard box, positioned on the passenger’s lap, slid off. The box struck the cyclic pitch control lever, which caused the helicopter to roll uncontrollably.
At the time of the incident, the helicopter was approximately 15 meters (50 feet) above the ground. The shift in the pilot’s control, combined with the loss of stability, led to the main rotor blades striking the ground. This caused the helicopter to crash on its right side, roughly 20 meters from where it had lifted off. While the aircraft was severely damaged, both the pilot and passengers were unharmed, and the penguin emerged unscathed from the ordeal.
The Civil Aviation Authority highlighted that the primary cause of the crash was the lack of secure containment for the penguin. The report emphasized that all situations involving aircraft should be subject to established safety protocols, which were not adhered to in this case. The absence of an appropriate crate or proper restraints for the penguin meant that it was not adequately secured for the flight conditions, creating a hazardous situation.
The aviation authority also pointed out that a thorough evaluation of potential hazards should have been conducted. The risk of cargo shifting, as was the case with the penguin, should have been considered in the pre-flight assessment. The report concluded by reiterating the importance of adhering to safety regulations, particularly when transporting animals or any form of cargo, to prevent dangerous situations that could lead to accidents.
In response to the incident, the aviation authority stressed the need for better safety measures when transporting animals in helicopters. It is crucial for all passengers and cargo to be secured in accordance with aviation safety standards to prevent accidents like the one caused by the unsecured penguin. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper risk assessments and adherence to safety protocols, especially when unusual or unexpected situations arise during a flight.
