I know a guy, one early morning did his pre-flight inspection, pulled the plane out, about to turn the key, only to realize the propeller was missing!
Tried to start a BE76 just after my checkride in the very same plane. It wouldn't go. A friend yelled to me - Mixture! That made the trick. Examiner was watching the show.
Another time flew a C182 for two hours to pick up some acquaintance for further transportation. 10 min from landing was informed by ATC that the runway was closed re-painting. Due to open some 8 hours later. Ooops…missed that little NOTAM.
So easy to make a fool out of yourself in this business
