I've seen some crazy stuff happen to cues, and that does not sound so far fetched to me. I have seen people start putting their cue together,get to looking for or messing with something else at the same time, seen some do that while talking to someone, shaking their hand, etc., and even because they did not want to keep the other player waiting, so they lay their cue across the table or wall while not yet fully screwed together just like described. Even seen someone else come along and trip over them before. Often time it happens when first matching up, Guy gets his break stick together but is only maybe a couple of threads or half way through screwing the player together when opponent is finished racking. he jumps up lays his player aside before finishing.
I like the old classic Myself: screwing the shaft together as they are going to shake someone's hand, kicking the cue above the butt plate in the process, the bumper snags the carpet, creating a sling shot effect, increasing It's velocity & speed, snatches it from their hands, person extends out while reaching to catch the shaft, but reflexes are way too slow, therefor catching nothing other then air, and ending with a jaw clinching smash of the shaft hitting the table. I've seen that one many of times. Just wish I could catch the moment in a picture or video sometime. It would make for a good pose.
I have seen much stranger happen though, like the guy that just slightly over did it on the follow through during the break and jammed his shaft into a commercial type ceiling fan that was running on high. That was a interesting event to witness:thumbup:
Greg