Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Rotorcraft
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action
Company Policy; Human Factors
Engine cowling was left open during startup causing a blade to strike and damage the cowling. We were in the process of doing multiple engine starts to complete leak checks and tail rotor track and balance after maintenance was completed. During one start the aircraft failed to start and an amber GOV light illuminated on the warning panel. Mechanic opened the engine cowling and investigated while I completed powering down of the aircraft. The Mechanic returned to the cockpit moments later and asked me to attempt the start again. As the blades began to rotate the cowling was struck. I immediately aborted the start. My complacency of following company policy and completing a check of maintenance done and a walk around was directly responsible for the cowling being damaged. I needed to slow down and complete these tasks even after being asked to try the start again.
AS-350 pilot reported the rotor hitting the cowling causing damage to blades during a maintenance check.