I don't like this sort of blog, but I have to bare my soul. I made an error and gave myself a bloody big fright!
The other day I was preparing our Chipmunk for some circuits and was having a little difficulty priming and starting it. I was in and out of the cockpit three or four times in an attempt to get it started. I was getting a bit frustrated and I suppose I was rushing a bit.
I finally managed to get it primed and was turning the prop through a few turns to prime the cylinders when it burst into life! I had left the mags on.
To say I got a huge fright is an understatement! The prop clipped the top of a finger on my left hand. I was very lucky I was not more seriously injured, or worse.
Luckily I had put the park brakes on firmly and the throttle was closed.
I know the right things to do and say, but I fell into a potentially deadly trap.
Was I getting a bit slack, clearly. Did I need to slow down and take things methodically, yes. Am I chastened, definitely. I mucked up and feel very humbled.
I need to slow down and recharge my attention to always do the little things carefully - every time.
PLEASE - learn from my very near miss!