Penguin causes helicopter crash in Eastern Cape, no injuries reported

A helicopter crash in South Africa was attributed to an unsecured penguin in a cardboard box that slipped onto the pilot's control during take-off. The incident occurred on January 19 during a flight from Bird Island to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, where the pilot was transporting a specialist for an aerial survey. As the helicopter ascended to about 15 meters, the box containing the penguin slid off the passenger's lap and interfered with the cyclic pitch control, causing the aircraft to roll and crash. Fortunately, all occupants, including the penguin, were unharmed despite the helicopter sustaining substantial damage. The South African Civil Aviation Authority reported that the pilot failed to include the transportation of the penguin in his risk assessment, highlighting the need for proper cargo handling. This unusual incident serves as a cautionary tale for aviation safety regarding unsecure cargo in flight.