[AnIdiotOnTheNet]

So maybe a B-17 pilot can explain: From the image, I can't see what the problem is. If you reach for the gear switch to put the gear down, but hit the flap switch instead and put the flaps down... shouldn't that be just fine? Wouldn't you want the flaps down during landing anyway? Shouldn't putting the gear down cause more drag than the flaps, so you're already prepared for any changes there too?

[beeboop]

I researched this a bit and based on other sources the issue was accidentally putting the landing gear into the up position when meaning to put the flaps up. Presumably this would happen while coming to a stop on the runway? I have maybe noticed modern airliners do raise their flaps before fully completing braking? Not sure if I'm just making that up. I have barely any flight training but if I recall the main purpose of raising flaps quickly is to lessen the effects of wind from the environment and other aircraft from pushing you around. But the B17 is rather large. I don't know. All speculation.

[chanandler_bong]

I'm confused as well. I can't imagine a B-17 landing without flaps. I am a pilot, but never flown a B-17, so take it with a grain of salt...

You'd want both the gear and flaps down on landing, so both switches would be in the down position. If the switches weren't in sync, e.g. you need one switch up and the other down for landing, that would be a problem.

[kayodelycaon]

From what I remember from a WW2 training video, you begin the landing 1/3 flaps. If you’re close to stall speed, the drag from unexpected full flaps could be enough to stall the plane.

In the reverse hitting flaps up before gear up is likely to cause problems.