Performance characteristics of an axial flow fan having distorted inlet flow have been investigated using numerical analysis as well as experiment. Two kinds of hub-cap, rounded and right-angled front shape, are tested to investigate the effect of inlet flow distortion on the fan performance. Numerical solutions are validated in comparison with experimental data measured by a five-hole probe downstream of the fan rotor. It is found from the numerical results that non-uniform axial inlet velocity profile near the hub results in the change of inlet flow angle. Large recirculation flow upstream the fan rotor for the right-angled hub-cap induces a negative incidence, thus invokes separated flow on the blade surfaces and deteriorates the performance of fan rotor.