MBB-BK 117 All Series
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Human Factors; Procedure
During the day the on duty mechanic replaced the number one side engine mount bushing. In accomplishing this task the mechanic planned on using an approximately 12 inch piece of 2x6 to rest the engine on while replacing the bushing although it ended up not being needed. This wood was then apparently left on top of the engine towards the rear of the engine bay. The on duty mechanic discussed what he had worked on with me and we ensured that his tools were back in his possession. While performing my inspection of the work I thoroughly inspected the area around the bushing and mount and ensured that area was clear. I was so focused on the area where the maintenance was performed that I never even looked back around the entire engine compartment missing the block of wood.Suggestions for ensuring this does not happen again is difficult. I feel as though I am a diligent pilot who strives to do the best job and I know the mechanic is exactly the same way. We missed an item in the engine compartment that normally is not there or used in daily work. Our usual look into checking for loose equipment such as tools; washers; rags; etc. in my case left me in a frame of mind that I had done a complete check of the compartment; as the 'usual' items sometimes left behind during maintenance were not in the area of the work performed. Further dissemination of what was missed could help avoid this in the future to put this in other individuals' minds as to what can be looked for.
The reporter stated that the block of wood that was in the engine compartment was found during preflight. The reporter stated the engine never started or ran while the block of wood was in the engine compartment.
MBB-BK117 pilot reported that while performing maintenance on Helicopter; the mechanic left a block of wood in the engine compartment.