Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Procedure; Aircraft; Company Policy; Human Factors; Weather
Upon arrival at ZZZ Maintenance notified us that there were multiple damaged fan blades in the number 1 engine. While we do not know when or how this occurred; we can only guess that it was due to snow/ice ingestion on takeoff roll; improper de-icing and inspection of engine inlets prior to engine start; or de-icing prior to takeoff. While there was no active precipitation; upon arrival at the aircraft; the crew noted snow and ice on the aircraft to include in the engine inlets. Per [company] procedures; after the doors were closed; before blockout; the crew call Ramp to have engines cleared. The clearing crew showed up. The Tug Driver noted them moving around the aircraft and appeared to be clearing engines. They left shortly thereafter; and we confirmed with Ramp Tower that the clearing and inspection had been logged complete. After push back onto taxi; we noted that the taxi lane had not been completely plowed. There was a large snow berm; approximately 2 ft. high about 10 ft. left of centerline; which converged toward centerline all the way until Taxiway XX. After some discussion with Tower and the Pushback Crew; we opted to have plows come and clear an area in front of us; that they could pull us to clear of the berm before engine start to avoid ingestion. Engine start was slow; even for Pratt & Whitney; but no starter or engine limitations were exceeded. N1 started around 20-25%; well below the 40% limit. After engine start anti-ice was turned on due to temp/dew point spread. We taxied on cleared pavement to the de-ice area. The taxi took less than 15 minutes so no engine clearing was used. During de-ice we noticed B777 push back out of a gate on [taxiway XX]. It was pushed back through a berm of snow and ice. After de-ice we taxied and took off after this B777. It is possible that the B777 had some snow/ice on its trucks that was deposited on the runway on takeoff. From de-ice; we taxied to Runway XX. The turn from Taxiway XY onto Taxiway XZ could have been cleared of snow better; but the turn was made using minimal thrust. It is possible that some compact snow or ice was ingested here; however; once cleared for takeoff; we did a 30 second engine clearing procedure and all engine instruments appeared normal. After takeoff; the Captain mentioned a rumble; which sounded like it was coming from a pack. It was faint enough; that we didn't feel it was an issue; as all packs checked out normal. Later on climb out the number 3 engine EVM fluctuated up to 5.0; then back down to normal ranges only slightly above the other two engines. The captain sent a message to [Operations} asking about engine telemetry; and we were advised it was good; so we decided to press on.
MD-11 First Officer reported after landing Maintenance notified them of damaged fan blades in one of the engines.