Beech 1900
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Workload; Distraction; Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
Just before engine start. All passengers and First Officer boarded. Fuel truck was moving away after having refueled right wing. Ground crew gave signal to start #2; at that moment I became distracted by the fact that the load sheet fell to the floor. I retrieved it in a hurry; and attempted to resume. By mistake I engaged starter of #1. The moment the left prop started to spin; I aborted; and started the right. No one was near the prop at all. This event was my worst nightmare coming true. I have always taken pride in being precise and thoughtful prior to doing anything. This event was a huge departure from that tradition and I am the most fortunate man in the world because no injuries or damage resulted. I have learned from my mistake and will never let it happen again.
A BE-1900 Captain became distracted immediately prior to engine start and engaged number one engine starter after receiving clearance to start two. Upon realizing his mistake he aborted one and started two.