Penguin in a box causes helicopter crash – bird and humans all okay

13 Apr 2025

A cautionary tale in aviation safety after an aerial survey went awry on the Eastern Cape’s Bird Island — always secure the cargo, especially when it’s a penguin.

In an incident that might stretch the bounds of credulity even for seasoned aviation observers, a survey flight over Bird Island in the Eastern Cape ended in an unexpected mishap, all thanks to a penguin in a cardboard box.

penguin helicopter The penguin in its cardboard box. (Photo: Operator’s safety manager)

On Saturday, 19 January, a pilot and three passengers were aboard a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter on their way to transport a specialist to conduct an aerial survey of Bird Island.

The twist came after touchdown, when – according to the South African Civil Aviation Authority investigation report – the specialist requested that they transport a penguin back to their original departure point.

“Sure thing,” said the 35-year-old pilot who had clocked a total of 1,650 hours, of which 1,051.7 were flown on the aircraft type, and into a simple cardboard box the penguin went.

According to the investigation report, “the pilot conducted a risk assessment of the flight; however, he omitted to include the carriage (transportation) of the penguin on board”.

No one foresaw the comedic turn this would take.

During take-off, the box, which was secured by hand and resting on the lap of the passenger in the left front, slid unceremoniously on to the pilot’s cyclic control lever at about 15 metres above the ground, sending the helicopter into a sudden, dramatic roll to the right.

The main rotor blades struck the ground, halting the flight mere moments after it began. The helicopter sustained “substantial damage”, but fortunately the passengers, pilot and penguin all escaped unharmed.

While no life on board was harmed, the SA Aviation Authority’s report found that “the lack of secure containment for the penguin created a dangerous situation. The absence of a proper, secured crate meant that the penguin’s containment was not suitable for the flight conditions.”

“Proper cargo handling is crucial to ensure that items on board do not interfere with flight controls or the safety of the passengers.”

“This accident emphasises the importance of adhering to established safety protocols and compliance with aviation safety procedures,” the report continued. DM

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