A recent investigation revealed that an unsecured penguin caused a helicopter crash shortly after takeoff from Bird Island in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The bird's containment issues led to a dangerous incident, though all onboard, including the penguin, emerged unharmed.
Penguin on Board: Unsecured Wildlife Causes South African Helicopter Crash
Penguin on Board: Unsecured Wildlife Causes South African Helicopter Crash
An astonishing aviation mishap involving a penguin leads to a helicopter crash in South Africa, highlighting critical safety oversights.
An unusual incident involving a penguin set off a helicopter crash in South Africa, according to a report released by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. The mishap occurred on January 19, shortly after the helicopter took off from Bird Island off the Eastern Cape, where the penguin had been placed in a cardboard box on a passenger's lap.
As the helicopter ascended, the box slid unexpectedly, knocking the controls and causing the pilot to lose command of the aircraft. This resulted in the helicopter crashing back to the ground. Fortunately, all persons on board, including the penguin, were unharmed, but the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The report highlighted that the "lack of secure containment for the penguin" contributed to the hazardous emergency. The flight had been previously conducting an aerial survey of the area, and once completed, the decision was made to transport a penguin back to Port Elizabeth. However, it remains unclear why the penguin was collected in the first place.
According to the aviation authority, while the pilot conducted a risk assessment prior to takeoff, they failed to include the transport of the penguin in the analysis, which violated the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011. As the helicopter reached an altitude of approximately 15 meters (50 feet), the unsecured box caused the cyclic pitch control lever to shift, ultimately leading to a roll and the aircraft's crash landing.
The aviation authority emphasized the importance of adhering to established safety protocols and conducting thorough evaluations of potential hazards during flights, particularly those involving unsecured cargo. The absence of a properly secured crate for the penguin rendered its transport unsuitable for the operational flight conditions, highlighting a significant lapse in safety procedures.
