Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 120; Flight Crew Total 7500; Flight Crew Type 3300
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Environment - Non Weather Related
Our trip was canceled before the first flight because of the evidence of a bird strike on the bottom of right-hand engine nacelle. There; approximately 18 inches aft of the intake; was a quarter sized perforation of the nacelle cowling; covered with feathers. The damage was discovered just after engine start by an FBO lineman. He called the damage to my attention; and I aborted the start and the subsequent Part 135 trip. The damage was in an out of sight location and was not discovered prior. We assume the strike occurred on the flight prior; when we did a night departure; our 5th and last leg of the day. I believe the strike occurred then; as it is near the Coast; with a higher probable concentration of birds. We are not positive of when the strike occurred; as we (the crew) never noticed a noise or had any other indication when the strike occurred. The bird strike caused no other damage to the aircraft and it was returned to service after the cowling was replaced.
BE400 Captain is informed during engine start by an FBO lineman that the right engine appears to have bird strike damage. The damage is confirmed and the flight is canceled pending maintenance action.