The penguin became the cause of a helicopter crash in South Africa

The Civil Aviation Authority of South Africa has released the results of an official investigation into an unusual aircraft accident that occurred on January 19, 2025, on Bird Island in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape Province.

According to the investigation materials, a research helicopter with four scientists on board was performing a scheduled survey flight over the archipelago in Algoa Bay. After completing the main mission, the crew landed on Bird Island to transport a penguin to Port Elizabeth for scientific research.

An unexpected turn of events occurred during takeoff when the feathered passenger managed to free itself from the transport box. At the critical moment of gaining altitude, the penguin made a sudden movement, hitting the cyclic pitch control lever and moving it to the extreme right position. This led to an immediate roll of the aircraft and subsequent fall from a height of about 15 meters.

Notably, despite the seriousness of the incident, all participants in the accident, including the four scientists and the culprit of the crash – the penguin, did not sustain any injuries.