South African authorities blamed a penguin for a helicopter crash (4 photos)

A Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter crashed in South Africa due to a penguin on board. The incident occurred while transporting the bird from Bird Island in the Eastern Cape Province, but details have only become known now after the official report was published.





After completing the research work, the scientist asked the pilot to deliver the penguin to the airport. The bird was placed in an ordinary cardboard box, which the passenger held on his lap. However, during takeoff, the box slipped and hit the pitch control lever, which caused a sharp roll to the right. The rotor blades hit the ground, causing the crash.



Luckily, no one was hurt - neither the pilot nor the researcher were injured. The penguin itself was also unharmed. However, the helicopter was seriously damaged. The South African Civil Aviation Authority noted that a risk assessment had been carried out before the flight, but the animal's safety had not been properly ensured.