MD83 first officer reports a tail compartment temp high light during initial climb after takeoff in ...

Narrative:

It was another very hot day with temperature at 42 degrees C; and winds west southwest at 13-15 KTS. We were cleared for takeoff on the runway. Due to temperature and weight a flap setting of 4 called for. We were about 700 pounds below max takeoff weight when we took the runway. Takeoff roll was normal; albeit long. About 1 minute after takeoff we got a tail compartment temperature high indication on the annunciator panel. I performed the red box items and got out the QRH and performed the initial items. I told departure that we wanted to level at 7;000 ft and return for landing and that we were declaring an emergency. The indicator light extinguished after about 2 minutes. Captain leveled the plane at 7;000 ft and engaged the autopilot. He gave the airplane to me on the downwind as he briefed the flight attendants and passengers. He then initiated the before landing checklist as I descended and intercepted final per ATC instructions. The captain took control of the aircraft on final and completed the landing; which was overweight at 140;000 pounds. Rollout was normal and the arff crew was instructed to examine the tail section for any signs of smoke or excessive heat. They reported that temperature readings seemed normal. We then taxied back to the ramp; escorted by arff.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: MD83 First Officer reports a Tail Compartment Temp High light during initial climb after takeoff in high ambient temperatures. An emergency is declared; QRH is complied with; and flight returns to departure airport.

Narrative: It was another very hot day with temperature at 42 degrees C; and winds west southwest at 13-15 KTS. We were cleared for takeoff on the runway. Due to temperature and weight a flap setting of 4 called for. We were about 700 LBS below max takeoff weight when we took the runway. Takeoff roll was normal; albeit long. About 1 minute after takeoff we got a tail compartment temperature high indication on the annunciator panel. I performed the red box items and got out the QRH and performed the initial items. I told Departure that we wanted to level at 7;000 FT and return for landing and that we were declaring an emergency. The indicator light extinguished after about 2 minutes. Captain leveled the plane at 7;000 FT and engaged the autopilot. He gave the airplane to me on the downwind as he briefed the flight attendants and passengers. He then initiated the before landing checklist as I descended and intercepted final per ATC instructions. The Captain took control of the aircraft on final and completed the landing; which was overweight at 140;000 LBS. Rollout was normal and the ARFF crew was instructed to examine the tail section for any signs of smoke or excessive heat. They reported that temperature readings seemed normal. We then taxied back to the ramp; escorted by ARFF.

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.

Attributes
ACN	967402
Time
Date	201108
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.TRACON
State Reference	US
Environment
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	MD-83
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Initial Climb
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Pneumatic System
Person 1
Function	Pilot Not Flying First Officer
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical

MD83 first officer reports a tail compartment temp high light during initial climb after takeoff in high ambient temperatures. An emergency is declared; QRH is complied with; and flight returns to departure airport.