Overview

• The January 19, 2025 crash occurred when a cardboard box holding a penguin slid off a passenger's lap and interfered with the pilot's controls.
• The African Civil Aviation Authority's report found that the pilot failed to account for the penguin's transport in the pre-flight risk assessment.
• Despite significant damage to the Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, all passengers and the penguin escaped unharmed.
• Investigators highlighted the lack of secure containment for the penguin, which created unsafe flight conditions.
• The report did not clarify why the penguin was being transported, leaving questions about its presence unanswered.