ATR 42
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Fatigue; Time Pressure
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors
We had completed the weight and balance data; and had handed the load manifest out of the door. I called for the before start checklist below the line. As we worked through the checklist items; we passed through the Cabin secure items and doors; and unfortunately I did not adequately think about the checklist items as we discussed them. I gave the signal to release the prop brake to the ground crew; who replied that the engine was clear. I then released the prop brake; and gave the signal to remove the chocks. The ground crew removed the chocks; and I then asked for clearance to start engine 1. The ground crew gave me the clear to start signal; and I started engine 1. I then moved into the after start flow; and glanced up to see the ground crew giving the shutdown signal for engine 1. I glanced up at the overhead panel and noticed that the passenger door was still open. I immediately shut down engine 1 and called the Flight Attendant; who said that she was just finishing up the cabin. She closed the door; and I then re-cleared the engine with the ground crew and started engine 1 again. The rest of the flight progressed normally.This was the result of inattention and complacency on my part. Though I had called for the checklist items; I was not adequately paying attention to the responses I was giving; instead falling back on rote replies to the checklist challenge items and not giving each item the required attention. I deeply regret the error and will endeavor to pay closer attention to what each checklist item says.
ATR 42 Captain reported that time pressure resulted in an engine start with the cabin door open; in violation of SOP.