Penguin contributed to South Africa helicopter crash: authorities

A curious penguin in a cardboard box led to a helicopter crash in South Africa earlier this year, as per authorities’ reports. On January 19, during an aerial survey of Bird Island in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, a pilot and three passengers decided to transport a penguin back with them. The South African Civil Aviation Authority conducted an investigation into the incident and found that the pilot agreed to carry the penguin in a cardboard box at the request of a specialist on board.

Despite conducting a risk assessment of the flight, the pilot failed to include the transportation of the penguin in the assessment. The passenger sitting in the front left seat of the helicopter was holding the penguin in their lap when the cardboard box slid off to the right and onto the pilot’s cyclic pitch control lever. This caused the helicopter to roll to the right, and the pilot was unable to recover in time, resulting in a crash.

Fortunately, no one, including the penguin, was injured in the incident. However, the helicopter sustained substantial damage upon hitting the ground while flying at an altitude of about 50 feet. The investigation highlighted the importance of proper cargo handling and secure containment for items on board to prevent interference with flight controls or jeopardizing passenger safety.

The report emphasized the need for a suitable and secure crate for transporting animals or objects during flights to avoid similar incidents in the future. The lack of secure containment for the penguin created a dangerous situation, underscoring the significance of proper cargo handling protocols to ensure the safety of passengers and the smooth operation of flights.

In conclusion, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols and conducting thorough risk assessments before embarking on flights, especially when transporting unconventional cargo like penguins in cardboard boxes. By adhering to proper procedures and ensuring secure containment for all items on board, aviation authorities can mitigate risks and prevent accidents like the one caused by a curious penguin in South Africa.