Importance Score: 42 / 100 🔵
Penguin Blamed for Helicopter Mishap in South Africa
A peculiar incident in South Africa saw a helicopter crash reportedly triggered by an unusual cause: a penguin. Aviation authorities are investigating the accident, highlighting concerns over animal transportation safety.
Unsecured Penguin Leads to Crash
According to a report from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), as cited by the BBC and The Telegraph, the incident occurred on January 19th when an unconfined penguin, placed in a cardboard box, shifted from a passenger’s lap and interfered with the pilot’s controls.
The crash took place shortly after takeoff from Bird Island, situated in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, as detailed by the BBC.
Sequence of Events
NBC News reported the helicopter had ascended approximately 50 feet when “the cardboard box slid off to the right and onto the pilot’s cyclic pitch control lever.”
This resulted in the aircraft rolling, subsequently causing the rotor blades to strike the ground, leading to the helicopter crashing onto its right side.
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Authorities Investigate Incident
PEOPLE has reached out to the South African Civil Aviation Authority for their official statement on the matter.
No Injuries Reported
The SACAA report indicated, and NBC News corroborated, that “None of the occupants sustained injuries; the penguin also remained unharmed.”
The Telegraph further reported that the South African Civil Aviation Authority attributed the “dangerous situation” to “the lack of secure containment for the penguin.”
Aerial Survey Mission
The outlet stated that the four-seat helicopter was engaged in conducting an aerial survey of Bird Island at the time of the crash.
Transportation Request and Protocol Breach
Reports from the BBC indicate that the aircraft had initially landed to collect a specialist who then requested the penguin be transported back to Port Elizabeth, a city west of Bird Island.
While the purpose of the penguin’s pickup was not specified in the report, it was noted that the aviation authority determined the pilot had performed a “risk assessment.” However, this assessment did not adequately consider the transportation of the penguin onboard, which was deemed “not in accordance with the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011.”
Safety Regulations Emphasized
The Telegraph cited the report emphasizing that adherence to all “established safety protocols” and aviation safety procedures is mandatory during transportation.
Officials also stressed that a comprehensive evaluation of potential hazards should precede any flight operation.
According to the report quoted by the outlet, “The absence of a proper, secured crate meant that the penguin’s containment was not suitable for the flight conditions.”