A penguin inside a cardboard box caused a helicopter crash in South Africa. The investigation found the unsecured bird slid off a passenger's lap right after takeoff from Bird Island. It knocked into the pilot's controls, sending the aircraft crashing down. Nobody got hurt during the accident - including the penguin. The South African Civil Aviation Authority blamed the "lack of secure containment" for creating this dangerous situation.
The helicopter had been conducting an aerial survey of the Eastern Cape island on January 19. After finishing its work, a specialist asked to transport one penguin back to Port Elizabeth. The report doesn't explain why they needed the penguin. Officials said the pilot did a "risk assessment" but forgot to include transporting the animal, breaking aviation regulations. The cardboard box slipped when they reached about 15 meters above ground.
The box hit the flight controls, causing the helicopter to roll without any chance of recovery. The main rotor blades struck the ground before the aircraft crashed completely about 20 meters from takeoff. Despite substantial damage to the helicopter, everyone walked away unharmed. Investigators recommended following safety protocols for all situations and stressed the importance of using proper secured crates when transporting animals during flights.
The helicopter had been conducting an aerial survey of the Eastern Cape island on January 19. After finishing its work, a specialist asked to transport one penguin back to Port Elizabeth. The report doesn't explain why they needed the penguin. Officials said the pilot did a "risk assessment" but forgot to include transporting the animal, breaking aviation regulations. The cardboard box slipped when they reached about 15 meters above ground.
The box hit the flight controls, causing the helicopter to roll without any chance of recovery. The main rotor blades struck the ground before the aircraft crashed completely about 20 meters from takeoff. Despite substantial damage to the helicopter, everyone walked away unharmed. Investigators recommended following safety protocols for all situations and stressed the importance of using proper secured crates when transporting animals during flights.
