Narrative:

Aircraft X departed IFR; via VOR off of ZZZ. Shortly after radar identification; the pilot reported a loss of attitude indicator. The pilot requested to remain in VMC conditions. We had low ceilings due to weather in the area. The pilot reported a hole off of his left wing that he could descend in VMC conditions through to return to ZZZ. I advised the pilot to descend in VMC conditions at his discretion. I advised the controller in charge on the desk that I was [providing priority handling] for this aircraft and requested he contact ZZZ tower to advise them of the situation and the intent to allow the aircraft to descend in VMC into their airspace. ZZZ was IMC; reporting ceilings of 009 broken. I advised the pilot to notify me when he had the field in sight at ZZZ. The pilot informed me when he had the field below 020. Once he had visual confirmation of the runway I instructed him to contact ZZZ tower. The pilot landed without incident. I did not clear the pilot for an approach at ZZZ; although he was IFR. I handled the priority handling to the best of my ability at the time. In the future I would ensure that the satellite tower was aware of the need for SVFR regarding the priority handling. I also realized after switching the aircraft that I had not cleared him for the approach. I was focused on ensuring his safe descent and getting him over to the tower so he could be cleared to land as soon as possible. Going forward I will be more cognizant of the coordination that has been affected and also that I issue a proper visual approach clearance.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: TRACON Controller reported that an aircraft had a problem on departure and needed to return to departure airport.

Narrative: Aircraft X departed IFR; via VOR off of ZZZ. Shortly after radar identification; the pilot reported a loss of attitude indicator. The pilot requested to remain in VMC conditions. We had low ceilings due to weather in the area. The pilot reported a hole off of his left wing that he could descend in VMC conditions through to return to ZZZ. I advised the pilot to descend in VMC conditions at his discretion. I advised the CIC on the desk that I was [providing priority handling] for this aircraft and requested he contact ZZZ Tower to advise them of the situation and the intent to allow the aircraft to descend in VMC into their airspace. ZZZ was IMC; reporting ceilings of 009 broken. I advised the pilot to notify me when he had the field in sight at ZZZ. The pilot informed me when he had the field below 020. Once he had visual confirmation of the runway I instructed him to contact ZZZ Tower. The pilot landed without incident. I did not clear the pilot for an approach at ZZZ; although he was IFR. I handled the priority handling to the best of my ability at the time. In the future I would ensure that the satellite tower was aware of the need for SVFR regarding the priority handling. I also realized after switching the aircraft that I had not cleared him for the approach. I was focused on ensuring his safe descent and getting him over to the Tower so he could be cleared to land as soon as possible. Going forward I will be more cognizant of the coordination that has been affected and also that I issue a proper visual approach clearance.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.