E205 - I Knew the Rule, The Pilot Who Walked Into a Running Prop

In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn welcome Samuel Couillard, a propeller strike survivor and human factors speaker from Quebec, Canada. Samuel recounts the events of September 19, 2015, when as a student pilot working toward his commercial certificate and employed as a lineman at the airport, he mistakenly walked into a running propeller after an otherwise routine flight. He describes the ordinary conditions that day, the momentary lapse that led to the incident, and the profound physical and personal changes that followed, including extensive injuries and a lengthy recovery process. The conversation emphasizes human factors in aviation such as complacency after gaining experience, the difference between knowledge and consistent safe behavior, the dangers of fatigue and distraction, and the critical importance of maintaining vigilance even after the flight appears complete. Samuel shares insights from his safety seminars, highlighting how even knowledgeable pilots can make errors when routines change or confidence increases, and he offers practical advice on building personal systems to prevent such mistakes. The hosts discuss passenger briefings, eye contact on the ramp, and the value of creating barriers against complacency to ensure everyone returns home safely.

Connect with Samuel Couillard: Website: https://www.samuel-c.com/ Email: [email protected]