Narrative:

We were cleared for take off on runway 30. I completed the before take off checklist and everything checked normal. We began the take off profile and performed it to company standards. I asked for the climb checklist; at which point the captain noticed that the gust lock had not completely disengaged. We found that we were able to achieve only 80% torque on the power levers due to the gust lock interfering with the power levers. He asked that I place the aircraft on autopilot so that we could take a look at what was going on. We attempted to bring the gust lock completely into the unlock position with no positive results.we decided at this point that we would not mess with the gust lock anymore. We were afraid that doing so could result in the gust lock engaging and we then might be unable to release it in the air. At this point the captain spoke with dispatch; who advised us to return. We notified ATC and began the air return. All checklists were completed through the approach checklist as we were within 20 miles of the field and on vectors for the visual approach. As we began the downwind leg I noticed a small black pencil flashlight that had been placed on the center console had stuck between the gust lock handle and the center console causing the gust lock to not fully release. We removed the flashlight and we were then able to move the power levers without any interference.we need to be more aware of where we place items used prior to flight that are not needed during flight.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An SF340 returned to the departure airport after the flight crew determined the gust lock was partially engaged as a result of a pocket flashlight caught in the set/release mechanism.

Narrative: We were cleared for take off on Runway 30. I completed the before take off checklist and everything checked normal. We began the take off profile and performed it to company standards. I asked for the climb checklist; at which point the Captain noticed that the gust lock had not completely disengaged. We found that we were able to achieve only 80% torque on the power levers due to the gust lock interfering with the power levers. He asked that I place the aircraft on autopilot so that we could take a look at what was going on. We attempted to bring the gust lock completely into the unlock position with no positive results.We decided at this point that we would not mess with the gust lock anymore. We were afraid that doing so could result in the gust lock engaging and we then might be unable to release it in the air. At this point the Captain spoke with Dispatch; who advised us to return. We notified ATC and began the air return. All checklists were completed through the approach checklist as we were within 20 miles of the field and on vectors for the visual approach. As we began the downwind leg I noticed a small black pencil flashlight that had been placed on the center console had stuck between the gust lock handle and the center console causing the gust lock to not fully release. We removed the flashlight and we were then able to move the power levers without any interference.We need to be more aware of where we place items used prior to flight that are not needed during flight.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.