Embarassing: Pilot’s Shoelaces Became Tangled in the AOPA Aircraft’s Rudder Pedals

An AOPA aircraft that was headed to Oshkosh for an airshow giveaway ran off the runway after the pilot’s shoelaces got stuck in the rudder pedals. Though the once brand-new plane is no longer looking so brand-new, the pilot was able to walk away unharmed.

The aircraft involved was a 2024 Aviat Husky A-1C-200 registered N52RF. It was set up as the centerpiece of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) 2025 sweepstakes, decked out with a 200 horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engine, Garmin G500TXi touch screen PDF/MFD, 3-axis autopilot, a Hartzell Trailblazer carbon fiber propeller, and Alaskan Bushwheel Tundra Tires.

The bird departed Maryland’s Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) at around 7:20 am, headed for the EAA’s annual Oshkosh AirVenture at Wittman Regional (OSH). Looking for fuel, the pilot decided to make a pit stop at Carroll County-Tolson Airport (STO) in Carrollton, Ohio.

After making a normal landing, at around 9:30 am, the pilot’s shoelaces got snagged on the rudder pedals. The mess eventually led to the pilot losing control of the aircraft and running off the runway.

The Carrollton Fire Department was dispatched to the scene, where they found the aircraft leaking fuel. Fortunately, the fuel remained unlit as personnel worked to mitigate the issue. The pilot was able to walk away unscathed.

Airport operations suffered a slight setback from the accident, with departures blocked until the first responders had departed. Arrivals were stalled until later in the afternoon but have since resumed their normal pace.

The AOPA has yet to comment on the future of the sweepstakes.

FMI: https://tso-apt.com/