ABORTED TAKEOFF! - BROKEN AIRPLANE 

One of the most dangerous flights you can do is when an aircraft is fresh out of annual/phase maintenance. Good job troubleshooting it to give maintenance as much data as possible. Great VLOG. Definitely shows the side of flying the public often doesn't get to see.

One of my flight instructors once said "Landings are mandatory, but take-offs are optional." If things aren't right, you don't have to go! You're teaching a very valuable lesson here. Thank you for posting this video!

Probably one of the most important videos you’ve ever made Steveo. Especially for young/new pilots to watch. Making good decisions is one of the most important things a pilot can do.

I am a professional auto technician and I feel guilty when somebody isn't happy with the $1,000 repair. Imagine spending $93,000!!!!

I think this might be the most important video you’ve made. It shows that when you’re going through your run up checklist and checking the gages you’re not just going through the motions. You’re actually determining if it’s safe to fly. Good Job

Arguably a more interesting vid because of the prop problem and the way you attempt to diagnose the issue, then cancel the flight. Good call Steveo - not even a hint of 'getthereitis' !

Great to see some fresh content covering good aeronautical decision making.

Far too many pilots don't do the due diligence needed prior to takeoff, I think it's one of the reasons we see so many events that could've been prevented. That said, you caught it, that gets you a well done. My avatar is me at 12, soloing the Stearman. I had already soloed a Super Cub and Cessna 185 taildragger, which we flew regularly. Fast forward a few life times and I was doing a side line of buying/selling aircraft, whatever I could get, some from government drug auctions, whatever, did good for awhile. I purchased a Aztec in beautiful condition, for a price no one here would believe, but no logs, no maintenance history. Later found out the power plants were factory new. Those drug dealers had no spending limits I guess. The aircraft was at Opa-Locka and I needed to ferry it to Miami Ex., Tamiami then , where I home based. Preflighted, drained and re-filled fuel, you name it, checked it over good. Took off with a close friend and decided to run up and down the beach a bit for the late afternoon view, all was well, so we headed to Ex. Everything was so great , you just knew something had to go wrong. Well, no green, on the gear, on final ! The one thing we never checked. We spent the next 30 minutes doing flybys of the tower, it was almost dark and they couldn't be sure of anything, so we went out west a bit to burn off some fuel. Miami-Dade Air Rescue 1, was airborne, came on the radio and volunteered to get close and use their spot light to see if they could help. They cleared the airspace, so we did several attempts. Also Ex. had no foam trucks, so they brought them in, needed a little time. We did a few low speed tries, but nothing was concrete. Just then out of the corner of my eye, I caught a small plane approaching, way too close, had to do an emergency bank and climb, yelling at Air Rescue to do the same. They dove. We never found out who that was, doing VFR, at night, never paying attention to the radio, if they had one. That was it, I was not going to be responsible for two aircraft and all of us taking a hit, we went to do the emergency landing, hoping the gear held. It did, best landing I ever made. Found out days later, the drug dealers had installed a rheostat on the gear light indicators. So many things could have gone different, could have changed lots of lives. I take no credit, I had Divine help that day. All the same, never, never take flying so cavalier , even small things can result in major disasters. Most of the time, you don't get a do over. Sorry for the book, was a lot longer that night.

“It wasn’t me I swear”. Love that controller

steve's face at the end of the video shows how we can be frustrated when things don't go as we plan. But as a professional pilot he did it correctly and came back! As a commercial pilot when those things happen you also have to deal with passengers frustration and sometimes anger. But SAFETY is our main goal and Steve show us how GA pilots must deal when things are not 100% okay. Congrats!

Like the old saying: “better to be on ground wishing to be up there than being in the air wishing to be on the ground”... or “taking off is optional”

My last flight was on a beat up old AA MD-80 (an MD-88 I believe) out of Dallas Ft. Worth. We pushed back, the engines started and we began our taxi. All the sudden we stop, the pilot kills the left engine, restarts and we sit for a minute....then the dreaded announcement: *folks, this is your captain. We have an engine gauge that's not reading what it should. So, we're going to head back to the gate and have maintenance take a look at it. I know it's frustrating and inconvenient, but your safety is our number one priority* We then head back, the maintenance guy goes up to the flight deck, and 10 minutes later we're deplaning. We then had to haul ass across the state of Texas to the furthest gate away to get on another one. Of course there were many grumbling and belly aching. But I for one would much rather be late than be dead. Much preferred....

I love seeing video's when things don't go as planned. I had to declare my first ever emergency last month. I wish I had video of that.

If every pilot were Steveo, nobody would have a fear of flying. Competent, cool, calm, and professional. Decisions like these are why you live to fly another day.

"Have u tried turning it off and on again?"

Great job Stevo, so good for a low time pilot to see how professionally you handled this situation...Keep up with the great videos....

Great call, Steveo!! In 1976, I was out for a VFR solo flight (during my solo time) in a PA-28-180 Piper, and I ignored mag2 when it started missing and rough running. With both mags it ran great, so I took off for some touch and goes. Second time on downwind the engine just quit. Switched to just mag1, no joy. Base and final no problem, cleared the fence by 8 inches and touchdown was uneventful, except for that blaring stall warning. Broke the land speed record getting to the bathroom. All good. Something in the engine let go, and it had everything to do with the magneto’s drive train. Should have paid more attention. I’ll tell you about the time I used a Cessna 172 to mow down some corn stalks. Another engine failure in flight. That’s another story. Thanks for a great video!!

$93K, and a broken prop governor, I would request a re-review of the maintenance, for a higher level of confidence.

Love seeing your full flight vlogs, but seeing some of the unplanned stuff is invaluable. Thanks for showing this side of aviation!

The controller sounds a whole bunch like Kennedy Steve

It's great that you uploaded this one anyway, as flying can teach you a number of things even if you don't leave the ground. This one is a great video for reinforcing the axiom that pilots have to know their aircraft systems as intimately as aerodynamics, how to detect an issue, and whether or not an abnormality has exceeded tolerances. And you did it while preparing to takeoff - a phase in which too many unfortunately assume the flight is committed to the air. I enjoyed this.

NEVER apologize, Steve-O. Yet another great video, very insightful how you catch that underperforming prop RPM. Great catch, who knows, maybe even a lifesaver. Thanks man, save flights.

Passes annual maintence inspection with a broken governer .[. sounds legit.

Way to be safe and smart, too many pilots would say "close enough" and fly anyway.. I'm glad to see you being responsible. Great video. All student pilots should watch and see that there are reasons we have checklists and limitations.

Steve0 great job here. As someone who has already crashed a plane due to engine failure on downwind, that is something you NEVER want to experience. You made a great catch. Bravo!

I really liked this. It's an important lesson to see your decision making process to call off the flight. Good reminder for me as a student pilot.

As one of my flight instructors once told me, and I’ve never forgotten: ‘Better to be down here wishing you were up there, than up there wishing you were down here’. Nice video.

Good job, Steve. Unreal the aircraft had a problem straight out of a major maintenance check - it happens across the board in whatever area of transport you work in, down to driving trucks, too!

i'd love to hear an addendum to this, if the governor had went out after takeoff, what are the in-flight procedures for that type of casualty?

Good catch Steve. I’ve been there with a helicopter fresh from mx. Definitely frustrating but as you said, better to be on the ground with a problem than in the air. Still a solid vid. 🤙🏻

Thanks for including this video Steve, its good to see what problems can happen and how you diagnose. Great to see you got it on the ground, you dont want issues cropping up when you're already airborne. Always worth doing a full and extra checks after maintnence just to make sure everything is running perfect. Enjoy your videos, keep safe and looking forward to your next evening return.

Stevo, as always safety is more important than getting the boss in the back seat to the destination on time, as I'm sure the boss appreciates not being splattered. I took my truck in for some work and after an order of magnitude, or 2, less money, it won't shift into 5th. Great work. Keep on trucking. oz

A perfect example of consistently honing superior skills prior to recognizing, avoiding, or rapidly adapting to situations requiring those superior skills. 🇺🇸✈️😎👍

That just proves Steveo is allways on top of his game. Nicce call

Many videos from aviation RU-vidrs such as yourself only show the shiny, fun side of aviation. Steveo, I have significant respect for you showing what can go wrong and that it does happen. Understandably, it was evident that you weren't thrilled about the outcome of the flight. Thank you for showing us how to remain professional and deal with the situation. Also, props to the controller for lightening the mood! Keep up the great content.

Thank you for posting this video. It's so hard some times to say "no" to the voice in your head that tells you "let's just go, it'll be fine" especially in commercial ops where there is a lot of pressure to make schedules. It may not have as MUCH content as a "successful" flight video but the content it has is very important.

That ATC sounds like the now retired Kennedy Steve!

This is and EXCELLENT video! This is a great example of knowing your aircraft, procedure, and decision making. Not letting anything distract you from what is important like making a video, trying to be on time for passengers, or anything that makes you complacent! Fantastic!

"It wasn't me, I swear" LOL. Your DepCon has a real sense of humor down there, and that's always awesome to see. Buy that guy a beer some time. I'm actually really glad that you caught that on the ground and not airborne. That basically kept a gremlin from turning into a major midflight emergency and from flying with my dad for engine-out drills, I can say those doth sucketh royally. It looks like you handled this exactly right - a lesser pilot may not have caught that shot prop governor in time. It was a wonderful illustration of what my pop used to tell me: The most important decision any pilot will ever make is whether or not to *stay on the f'n ground.* (Or as he used to say, "Stay Oscar Tango Foxtrot Golf.") Make the right decision, it can save your life!

gotta love picking up from maintenance and having an immediate failure...

Can't even find a good car mechanic these days. Good thing Steveo knows that plane so well.That plane was working perfectly when you flew it in there. Fantastic video of that by the way.

Glad you caught it on the roll, love seeing this side of flying! I once had a seemingly similar problem doing my complex checkout, though that turned out to be a faulty tachometer

I think it is so important that you chose to upload this video for 2 reasons: 1. Know your airplane! Each plane operates uniquely, and it is your duty as PIC to understand the systems in the one you are flying. 2. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you fly, things can, and will, go wrong. Even a world-renowned content creator flying one of the most sophisticated aircraft has stuff break. Thank you for uploading such a realistic video that we can all learn from. I know I did.

Steve- you’re killing me ! Please tell us all Mikes’ award winning story.

Why wasn't this caught in the $93k yearly ?

I'm 70 now, and I used to fly VFR for about 200 hrs worth. Back in the early 70's Flying small single engined tiny planes was a bit unnerving and loud (can't see out of horribly Scratched plastic windshields either so 1/2 the time I was IFR! (lol). I wanted it but I just could never learn to 'Love' it! I always felt that I was a Bit over my head considering all the (even then) Ground Clutter for emergency landing and other novices up there just getting by with "Luck" with not flying into you! Today, 50 yrs later, IF I were very rich, I'd get something like a new Diamond DA 62 and try again but with the best Trainers and plenty to Time training and working it all out to the Max. But when I say 'Steveo' SKATEBOARD up to this Plane, I felt that I must now be 100+ years old! LOL God bless you all!

Steve, This video is more important than a sunset flight. Great job on catching the low RPM's before rolling, then keeping an eye on it just after starting the roll. It is never fun to have to keep it on the ground to check it out, but it is a hell of a lot safer than trying to troubleshoot something in the air. Glad to see you post it. Things can/do go wrong.

Did he really just say $93k for a service? I'm going to stick to FS2020

Great Video Steve! Appreciate you sharing, even though things didn't go as planned! Just had my first emergency last month when I lost a cylinder just after hitting pattern altitude. Wish it was something I could have caught on the ground! Thanks for sharing!

Great video as always. Kinda like going into the shop to get your car aligned, they find ten other things to fix, you get a $1000 bill and the car still pulls to the right. Well, not really, but I know I have had that same face of disappointment many times. You're a great pilot!

Great video. Really appreciate seeing a flight where things don't go as planned. I recently made a 180 and returned to the airport because of a minor issue (something much less serious than a prop governor) and it's frustrating but the right thing to do. Your face at the end said it all, though.

Very important video. Love the way you handled this issue. Good catch!

Bummer, but good to catch it when you did. I've only rejected a takeoff (for real) once, a dragging brake. I've had a plane fail run up a couple of times. The most memorable was on my check ride, a hard but perfectly correct decision.

I wasn't disappointed at all with this video. I like watching someone who knows what he is doing, especially when things become challenging. I've been flying with you for a while and I really like how you explain everything and you fly as if you had a large plane full of passengers; very responsibly. I have a little trouble following when you read back so fast, but the tower always understands you. I have been intrigued with the Pilatus planes for many years. Thank you for giving us a ride along. BTW, after you disclosed the price of the Annual, I realized that was more than the cost of a small bush plane!! And you didn't even choke up when you told us! I would have trouble getting my tongue to work and say that number.

This video is as interesting as the others, even if something went wrong. Seeing how a good pilot should behave in such circumstances is the best thing to learn from this video, well done.

"Broken airplane. I swear it wasn't me" haha controller has jokes

93K for an annual is eye-wateringly expensive whoever owns that plane has awfully deep pockets

Thanks for the upload! A great vid that highlights the importance of knowing your aircraft, paying attention, and not being foolhardy continuing or afraid to abort when something looks just slightly off.

Hey Steveo... I had that one time back in 83 or 84 coming out of Lancing, MI with a C55 Baron a load of Heater Cores for GM/Harrison Radiator at Night! Just after rotation the right RPM Needle fell off, it was pulling straight and the manifold pressures were matched so I elected to take it back to Buffalo. It ended up being a "Tach-Generator", Good call on the "Early Roll Abort Sir!

this was fascinating! no "go fever" for you!

Been there done that.. Right out of inspection. My dash lit up like vegas after dark.. .Anything that wasn't supposed to be on was on !!!🤣

Excellent video! Bravo Steveo! An impromptu training video on go-no go decision making. Every new pilot should watch this video!

thanks Stevo, its nice to see videos when something doesnt work right and what the procedure to try to resolve is with these complex airplane.

I find it extremely interesting at 4:32 where you can see how the picture of the ADI is generated: First the blue/brown is painted and then the screen blanks and only prints the scales. The human eye is too slow to notice and merges that together, but the camera made it obvious :)

8:32 - Perfect example of Pilot-in-Command decision making in action. Very instructional video, on many levels. And.... get the credit card out!

Excellent airmanship. Keep up the good work!

Glad you chose to upload this, it's and important lesson that if things just don't seem right it's better to just stay on the ground and get it checked than risk something happening when you're in the air.

Damn straight you gonna upload this video! we want to see the failed flights as well as the successful ones steveo

That's rough. 93k and its broke. I hope they have a warranty on the repairs.

Nicely done! Amongst all your other "perfect" flight videos, it's good to see how to correctly handle a less than perfect situation.

Fascinating seeing what happens when things go wrong. Love the video Steveo!

Well things happen! 😊 On one flight, during my flight-school training, I had gear failure issue. I was practicing emergency landings in a P28R, I was down to getting the gears out, when nothing happened to tried again still nothing. So started to let the eyes roll over each gauge, and noticed that the amp needle were blown all the way to the right edge of the gauge. Then I flew back towards EKRK, Roskilde, Denmark, made the emergency checklist. Asked the tower for a visual inspection that all wheels were down and then made the land after that. - What I later found out was, there had been a leakage in one of the window seals at the baggage area, so there was slight standing water in one small corner back there, and obviously also the place where a wire and it’s protection had come off. So that was the culprit of my first real situation.

$93K just became $100K!

Mate, that of been highly frustrating after an annual. Handled the situation like a pro, glad you were still on the ground! Good on ya Steve! From 🇦🇺

It shows you just how diligent a pilot has to be and I know it wasn't good for you but it was good for us to see and the process in action. As always a great video.

Don't you love it when you shell out almost $100k for a maintenance inspection and they return it to you with more problems than when you gave it to them? This should be an ad for Pilatus.

Could you give us a list of what things add up to 93k?

Thanks for sharing. That was as instructive as almost any video out there. Important to be vigilant and proactive after maintenance as any other time.

Props (ha!) to Steveo for showing that stuff can and will happen to the best of them, and that each decision you make has the potential to have life-altering consequences.

👍 This was a good little video to watch : things not going as planned ... !!! 👍

Honestly - this is one of my favorite vids. For some reason I get lulled into a false sense of security because so many things go correctly so often. I like that you showed what happens when they don't and glad you caught it before take off.

a great video. Learning is so much easier when the mistakes, broken parts and all the other stuff that can possibly happen is included in the video. Nice work and thanks for sharing..

Love when can see things go wrong, lots of good learning there Steveo...cheers.

You don't need to apologize to us for not taking off in a broken plane bruh. Honestly I was slightly shocked that you were hoping to "fix" it and then take off. I would've abandoned that thing at the first sign of trouble.

*$93k for an ANNUAL INSPECTION?!?!?!* And they BROKE your plane lmao WOW!

Glad I got to see this, going back to flying after a bit of a break and always good to remember sometimes it don’t always go to plan! Good call! Several pilots will be safer because of this video.

You have been doing this so long Steveo and I have been watching your 850 start ups for several years now it’s awesome when you get to a place where the routine is so precise that you definitely know it by heart. You know exactly what to look for on the start of the TBM. It’s like magic and it works so orchestral like. Safety is key. I wonder what a pilot with itching to get home or a pilot needing to make an appointment would do. Would they risk it ? It’s awesome as always safe travels to you and may you continue to have the time of your life.

This is probably one of the best video's, great decision process. Mic Drop...

Steve, long time viewer here, I think that was the first time I have ever seen you visibly unhappy.....

What a great video showing what happens when things don't go as expected, which is as much a part of flying as flying is. This video emphasizes the old adage, "I would rather be on the ground wishing I was in the air than being in the air wishing I was on the ground."

Nicely done, quickly recognizing the issue.

I don't think I've ever seen Steveo so sad as I did at the end of the video.

Good thing you were still on the ground!

Yikes. Glad you caught it! I'm just a student, but I had one not long ago on run-up. Engine was making valve-ticking noises. Couldn't figure it out, Instructor couldn't figure it out. Plane was 2 hours out of annual. Temps/pressures all in the green. Never did find out what it was. Plane went back and they fixed whatever it was. So glad we decided to abort and you did too. Be safe!

Very professional. Thanks for sharing.

Loved seeing a video that shows how you handle unexpected deviations. Well done.

Stevo loved the video! One question, is this your privately owned aircraft or do you work for someone?

Rejected take off - great observation, you did great Steveo!! Thanks for sharing the video!

I’m super impressed watching the way you analyzed your airplane, focusing on critical details and quickly making the right decision to abort takeoff..!

Well worth posting Steve. You seem to have, at least what you show us, pretty good reliability out of the TBM. Major fail just out of service though. Bet your owner wasn't happy after spending nearly $100k on the annual.