Citation X (C750)
Flight Crew Commercial
Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Release Refused / Aircraft Not Accepted
Company Policy; Aircraft; Human Factors
Upon arriving the previous night; crew had unsuccessfully tried to obtain a hangar for the night. Upon arrival at the airport the next morning; crew observed that the engine inlets had snow in them. Crew elected to ensure that the engine fan blades were not frozen into place from the snow that had accumulated over night. Upon startup; the right engine fan blades started without incident. The left engine fan blades did not spool up and we discontinued the startup. Crew called the Acting Chief Pilot to keep operations informed on our progress; and that we were looking to get the airplane into the hangar. ACP indicated that he has had success with other crews with throwing a bucket of warm water into the engine and starting it right away; freeing up the blades; and blowing residual water out of the back of the engine. I indicated that I was not comfortable climbing up on a snow and ice covered wing. Although not discussed; I am unaware that this is an approved procedure with the manufacturer. I also feel like I was being pressured to do such a procedure to get the trip completed.If such a procedure is approved by the manufacturer; it would be beneficial for the company to distribute such information. It [would have been an] unsafe operation to climb onto the wing with snow and ice on it.
The Captain of a CE-750 refused his assigned aircraft when the left engine fan blades; frozen in place after an outdoor overnight; wouldn't turn during start. He subsequently also refused to attempt a start technique advocated by a Chief Pilot but for which there was no approved documentation approving or describing the associated methodology.