R44 crash attributed to unsecured penguin
April 14, 2025
A report into the January 2025 crash of a Robinson R44 helicopter in South Africa has attributed the incident to an unsecured penguin in the cockpit; concluding that “the lack of secure containment for the penguin created a dangerous situation” when the bird made contact with the controls.
As detailed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s investigation report, the R44 had been conduction an aerial survey of Bird Island in the Eastern Cape Province, having travelled from the nearby Chief Dawid Stuurman Aerodrome. A pilot and three passengers were present, including a bird specialist, who recommended one of the penguins was transported back to the local aerodrome.
However, the penguin was placed in a cardboard box on the lap of the front passenger, rather than following proper cargo handling procedures. Around 15m above ground level, the cardboard box slid to the right and onto the pilot’s cyclic pitch control lever. The helicopter rolled to the right and “the pilot could not recover timeously”.
Although the helicopter sustained “substantial damage”, none of the occupants (including the penguin) were injured.
The regulator concluded that the pilot’s risk assessment procedure was inadequate; with regulations stating that “all equipment, baggage and loose articles in the cabin…. [should be] properly secured and stowed”. The South African CAA continued that “the absence of a proper, secured crate meant that the penguin’s containment was not suitable,” adding that “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,” it concluded.
