B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Procedure
We were told to line up and wait on XX. I brought the aircraft to a stop; and for some strange reason; I reached over and shut down both engines instead of setting the parking brake. We told Tower that we had an 'issue' and would be in place for a minute or two and then we would have to taxi clear. We started the right engine and taxied clear of the runway so we could redo checklists and regroup. When the Tower later asked what our issue was; I think that we told the Tower that we had to look at a light (yeah; lots of lights). With the start levers being right next to the parking brake; I guess that once my hand was on the start levers; positioned right next to the parking brake; then muscle memory took over and moved them to off. I need to slow down and think about what I am doing before moving any switch or lever. This was definitely the healthiest dose of humility ever in my 30 plus years of flying.
We were not rushed or stressed. I believe this occurred from a muscle memory response. The Captain touched the levers and as he's used to doing at the gate; shut them off. If he had told me what he was going to do; I would have advised against it. For this reason; I think better communication may have helped. The only threat I can think of is that the Captain has only been in the seat for a year. Be more deliberate in action.
A B737-800 crew was cleared to line up and wait. While holding in position the Captain mistakenly shut down both engine while intending to set the parking brake.