MD-83
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Master Warning followed with Tail Comp Hot warning during climb out. [We] performed QRH; determined real duct leak while turning back. Landed with left engine retarded and shut down on taxi in; declared emergency. All supporting elements of procedures crew; ATC; Operations; Airport Fire Department all performed well.
MD83 Captain experiences a tail compartment temperature high light during climb out. QRH procedures are complied with and flight returns to departure airport.