The pilot reported that, while preparing to start the Cessna 177RG’s engine, he felt stressed and rushed because he was departing later than planned, and the weather forecast along his intended route was forecast to deteriorate as the day progressed.
He followed the checklist, although after the accident he was unsure if he had properly set the parking brake. He noted he also may have inadvertently disengaged the brake with his leg or knee, which had happened before.
After the engine did not start on the first attempt, he followed the flooded engine procedure, which included setting the throttle to the 1/2 position. When the engine started on the second attempt, the airplane began rolling forward. He attempted to stop using the brakes, but his sandals, which were wet, slipped off the rudder pedals.
He further stated that “in a panic, I rapidly advanced the throttle instead of retarding it.”
The airplane hit a building at the airport in Lakeland, Florida, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and engine mount.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the attempted engine start.
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This July 2020 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Yet in the middle east sandals are the normal footwear, both in machine shops and flying helos, without issues. Perhaps those that can’t handle it are a little less capable and need more protection from themselves….lol
A candidate for a Darwin Award.
When I work, I wear work boots, when I fly, I wear flying shoes.
My flying shoes are comfortable, lace up, soft on the feel.
Or cowboy boots!
Local FSDO should require this pilot submit to a mental competency test. It’s easy to blame it on “stress”, but the sequence of events suggests more.
Not serious pilot material shows up in sandals.
Were I an instructor and my student showed up in sandals, I’d have asked him if he was planning on going to the beach. If not, he’d be told he isn’t flying in those.
If I had showed up wearing sandals with my instructor, he would tell me that I wasn’t dressed appropriately for an instruction flight.
Very casual dress = very casual pilot = a casualty waiting to happen.
Same as what I would have said to the pilot. He was behind his flight plan before he got to the airport that day. Leave tomorrow maybe.!
Passed the check ride but mentally unfit.
Sandals huh🤪
Don’t rush.
Don’t fly in sandals…for myriad reasons.
Don’t rush.
Did I mention don’t rush?
Just don’t wear sandals. Ever.