What happened
On the afternoon of 19 January 2025, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-RJC, was performing an aerial survey flight near Bird Island in the Eastern Cape. The flight, operated under Part 127 regulations, had departed from Chief Dawid Stuurman Aerodrome to transport a specialist for survey work. After completing the survey, the crew agreed to transport a penguin back to the aerodrome, placing the animal in a cardboard box.
During the departure from Bird Island, a passenger held the box on their lap. As the helicopter climbed to approximately 15 metres above ground level, the box slid toward the right side of the cabin and struck the pilot's cyclic pitch control lever. This movement forced the lever into a full right position, causing the aircraft to roll sharply. The pilot was unable to recover the aircraft before the main rotor blades struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter. There were no injuries to the pilot or the three passengers, and the penguin remained unharmed.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the flight and the handling of the cargo. The investigation confirmed that while the pilot had performed a standard pre-flight inspection, the risk assessment for the flight did not account for the transportation of the penguin. The investigation also reviewed the physical mechanics of the crash, establishing that the movement of the unsecured box directly interfered with the flight controls.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the cardboard box sliding into the pilot's cyclic pitch control lever, leading to a loss of control.
- The pilot failed to include the transportation of the animal in the flight's risk assessment.
- The method of securing the cargo was non-compliant with Civil Aviation Regulations, as the box was not properly stowed to prevent movement during flight.
- A lack of proper containment for the penguin created a significant hazard within the cabin.
Safety action
- Operators should reinforce strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure no animals are transported unless explicitly permitted by the Air Operator Certificate.
- Personnel should receive specialized training regarding load security for non-standard items.
- Pre-flight safety briefings must emphasize the responsibility of both crew and passengers to manage risks associated with cabin contents.
- When deviations from standard processes are anticipated, operators should be notified to ensure a formal risk assessment is completed via the Safety Management System.