A pilot experienced a strong burning smell during takeoff, initially contemplating continuing the flight despite the potential danger, highlighting the psychological pressures influencing decision-making in aviation.
The cause was later identified as a mouse nest on the engine, which was "toasted" by the preheat system, disrupting the planned photo session.
The article uses this incident and a past fluctuating oil pressure event to underscore the critical need for pilots to prioritize conservative choices, thoroughly assess risks, and avoid preventable errors.
When the poet Robert Burns wrote, “the best laid schemes o’ mice and men, gang aft a-gley,” what he meant was that things often don’t work out the way we intend.
The well laid plan was for Robert Goyer to fly up to Columbia County to take some pictures of me with my Cardinal. That was the plan.
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