PC-12
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Total 5650; Flight Crew Type 530
Training / Qualification; Time Pressure; Confusion; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Chart Or Publication; Human Factors
After takeoff this morning we noticed the engine running hotter than normal. We tried adjusting power settings and closing the inertial separator; but continued to observe abnormal indications. We elected to return to the departure airport rather than continue the flight. Upon landing it was discovered that the engine inlet cover had never been removed before flight. I had delegated preflight of the aircraft to my FO [First Officer]; but never walked around to verify that all covers/plugs had been removed. Luckily; we were able to return safely without injury or damage to the aircraft.
After takeoff; a PC-12 engine was running hotter than normal so the crew returned to the departure airport where the cowl inlet plug was found still installed.