A penguin inside a cardboard box caused a helicopter crash in South Africa earlier this year, according to authorities. 

On January 19, a pilot, along with three passengers, conducted an aerial survey near Bird Island in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province and helped to return a penguin to the island, as highlighted in a recent South African Civil Aviation Authority investigation report. 

According to the report, a specialist on board asked if they could transport a penguin back, to which the pilot consented. Consequently, the penguin was placed in a cardboard box for the journey.

The report further detailed: “This led to the cyclic pitch control lever moving to the far-right position, causing the helicopter to roll right, and the pilot was unable to regain control promptly.”

The helicopter hit the ground and “sustained substantial damage.”  (South African Civil Aviation Authority)

The helicopter hit the ground and “sustained substantial damage.” 

This all happened while it was flying about 50 feet off the ground. 

No one, including the penguin, was harmed in the incident. 

The report concluded: “The lack of secure containment for the penguin created a dangerous situation. The absence of a proper, secured crate meant that the penguin’s containment was not suitable for the flight conditions. Proper cargo handling is crucial to ensure that items on-board do not interfere with flight controls or the safety of the passengers.”