Learjet 60
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 6100; Flight Crew Type 300
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Human Factors; Aircraft
I conducted a preflight inspection prior to departure and noticed that two small screws were missing from the left wing root leading edge fairing (wing to fuselage). Upon further inspection I observed that one of the left engine fan blades (N1) had a dent or ding toward the end (closest to inlet; away from root). I also noticed that one of the screws that had come lose from the L wing leading edge was logged into the inlet foam or honeycomb just forward of the fan (N1). I immediately notified Maintenance about what I had discovered and sent him quality images from my smartphone. After speaking with Maintenance and his review of the images I sent; Maintenance cleared us for flight back. Myself and the First Officer started the engines; taxied; and ran up the engines to take off power prior to departure to ensure there were no vibrations or abnormalities in the engine gauges. The engines ran in parallel with no vibrations or abnormalities indicated on the instruments (gauges). We then departed ZZZZ and flew the airplane back with no issues. There were also no abnormalities with engine operation on our previous arrival into ZZZZ two days prior.I did conduct a post-flight inspection after our arrival into ZZZZ. However; it wasn't thorough enough or I would have noticed the screws missing and fan blade ding then; which is when it should've been addressed. I realize that the only way to maintain professional standards and continuously be growing into a safer aviator is to always be learning from my experiences and mistakes. I learned a valuable lesson on this trip; to always conduct thorough and complete post-flight inspections. There is no excuse for complacency.
Corporate jet Captain reported two screws missing on a wing fairing during preflight; one which had caused a dent in an engine fan blade which he had not noticed on his post flight from the previous flight.