Narrative:

[We had a] normal pre-flight; engine start; push-back; taxi out; takeoff; and departure. The problem first came apparent climbing above 10;000 ft using a climb power of around 95% torque. We all noticed that the #1 engine was surging and was further confirmed by the #1 torque gauge also rising and falling erratically. The #1 torque gauge was fluctuating between 95% and 105% with a noticeable surge on the number one engine. I reduced the power on the number one side so that we did not exceed the engine limitations. All three of us monitored the gauges to see if it was a transient problem. The fluctuations continued with a lowered power setting of around 85%.reaching 12;000 ft we configured the engine in the cruise configuration; props 900 and a setting of around 92%. The torque and engine surge on the #1 engine continued to fluctuate to a greater degree causing the aircraft to yaw. We contacted dispatch and maintenance. Maintenance had us check various settings including switching off the prop sync. The engine surging problem persisted; while the remainder of the engine gauges remained constant. A decision was made to return to [departure airport]. ATC was notified and they assisted with vectors and no emergency was declared. The emergency vehicles were provided as a precaution but were not needed.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: DHC-8-200 Captain reported that the #1 Engine was surging in climb above 10;000 FT. Flight returned to departure airport.

Narrative: [We had a] normal pre-flight; engine start; push-back; taxi out; takeoff; and departure. The problem first came apparent climbing above 10;000 FT using a climb power of around 95% torque. We all noticed that the #1 Engine was surging and was further confirmed by the #1 Torque Gauge also rising and falling erratically. The #1 Torque Gauge was fluctuating between 95% and 105% with a noticeable surge on the number one engine. I reduced the power on the number one side so that we did not exceed the engine limitations. All three of us monitored the gauges to see if it was a transient problem. The fluctuations continued with a lowered power setting of around 85%.Reaching 12;000 FT we configured the engine in the cruise configuration; props 900 and a setting of around 92%. The torque and engine surge on the #1 Engine continued to fluctuate to a greater degree causing the aircraft to yaw. We contacted Dispatch and Maintenance. Maintenance had us check various settings including switching off the prop sync. The engine surging problem persisted; while the remainder of the engine gauges remained constant. A decision was made to return to [departure airport]. ATC was notified and they assisted with vectors and no emergency was declared. The emergency vehicles were provided as a precaution but were not needed.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 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.