Dash 8-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 80; Flight Crew Total 5000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
On climbout; I noticed that the Number 1 fuel gauge was decreasing rapidly more than the Number 2 fuel gauge. I looked out my side window and noticed fuel leaking out of the NACA vents; aileron hinge; and outer flap hinge. I immediately contacted ATC and requested a return to the field for a fuel leak; and also advised the Flight Attendant that we had a fuel leak and that we were returning and to prepare the cabin for a normal landing. At this time ATC cleared us for a visual approach and we executed the Before Landing Checklist and we were given a clearance shortly after to land. We landed without incident and taxied to the gate and immediately upon shut down of the engines we executed an expedited deplaning of the passengers. No emergency was declared.
DHC200 Captain experiences a fuel leak during climbout via the fuel gauge and visually from the left wing. Flight returns to departure airport for an uneventful landing and taxi to the gate.