Brasilia EMB-120 All Series
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown
Aircraft
Shortly after takeoff; 400-500 feet; the duct leak annunciator illuminated and aural warning sounded for the left engine. We acknowledged and proceeded in our climb and leveled off at a safe altitude. During the climb the annunciator illuminated and extinguished continuously. We advised ATC that we needed to level off and work out an issue. I called for the duct leak QRH checklist and after completing the QRH the next step was for a precautionary engine shutdown. We requested vectors back to the airport and [advised] ATC [of the situation] and notified them of performing an engine shutdown. After shutting the left engine down the duct leak annunciator extinguished permanently. After completing the appropriate checklists we advised ATC that we are ready for landing; we accomplished the one engine inoperative QRH and proceeded for the visual [and] backed up with the ILS. Upon exiting the runway; we came to a stop and the Fire Department made a walk around and advised no visible damage or danger was seen. We advised them that no further assistance was needed and got approval from dispatch for a single engine taxi back to the hangar.
EMB-120ER Captain reported left engine duct leak issue shortly after takeoff. The engine was shut down and the flight returned to departure airport.