Eurocopter AS 350/355/EC130 - Astar/Twinstar/Ecureuil
Time Pressure; Situational Awareness; Fatigue; Distraction; Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Weather
While performing post maintenance ground runs; engine cowling was left propped up during engine start. We had done one prior ground run to get the initial T/R (Tail Rotor) vibe reading; and shut down. I made an adjustment to the T/R. Pilot performed walk-around; and attempted to start the aircraft again. We got an amber GOV (Governor) light. I had him cycle the power and try again; but we got the amber GOV again. After checking the FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) code; I opened the engine cowling; and cleaned a couple electrical connectors. Forgetting about the engine cowling; and not expecting it to start; I had the pilot try to start again. The aircraft started; and the engine cowling was struck by an M/R (Main Rotor) blade. We shut down immediately; and notified our supervisors. The hinge was torn from the engine cowling; damaging the honeycomb structure; and the prop rod was bent. No damage to blades or any other part of the aircraft. I had self-imposed pressure to get the aircraft done; so I was rushing a little bit. I had the crew standing by to swap aircraft because they were in service; sitting in the spare aircraft and on a delay while we were doing ground runs. They were not pressuring me; but I think it made me rush more than I should have. I had mentioned to the pilot that the crew should stay at the base quarters while we did ground runs at the airport; but they had to come with the pilot in case they got a flight. Next time I will insist that the crew stay at the base and we go on a longer delay so the pilot can pick them up if they get a flight.
Maintenance Technician reported aircraft damaged during engine runs.