EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
During climbout the aircraft behind us noticed we were venting out a lot of fuel from the left wing. The passengers on the left side noticed as well. I then contacted the Flight Attendant she confirmed that a large stream of fuel was leaking. I noticed about a 280 LB difference between the fuel tanks. At this point the First Officer and I decided to air return back to the airport.
We were given vectors for a visual approach. We landed without incident. Maintenance was notified. Upon inspection; there appeared to be no external damage. Maintenance decided an interior inspection of the fuel tank would be needed.
EMB-145 flight crew is informed by ATC shortly after takeoff that fuel is venting from the left wing tip. The crew elects to return to the departure airport and does so uneventfully.