What type of 'start' condition can seriously damage a turbine engine?

A hot start occurs when a turbine engine experiences an excessive rise in temperature during the start cycle, which can cause significant damage to the engine components. During the starting sequence, the engine is ignited and fuel is introduced to the combustion chamber. If the combustion process does not proceed as expected, such as when there is an excessive accumulation of fuel or a malfunction in the ignition system, the temperature can increase rapidly.

This overheating can lead to severe damage, including burning of the engine components, deformation of the turbine blades, and potential failure of critical parts. Therefore, a hot start is a condition that pilots and maintenance personnel are particularly cautious about, as the risk to the engine's integrity is notably high.

Understanding the dynamics of each type of start is vital; for instance, a cold start typically refers to starting an engine at low temperatures, which does not pose the same risks as a hot start. A wet start involves excess fuel entering the combustion chamber, which also carries risks but not to the severity of a hot start. High altitude starts may present their own challenges but generally do not equate to the immediate and severe risk of engine damage associated with a hot start.