A320 flight crew received a Cargo Smoke Warning ECAM and elected to perform an air turn back and overweight landing at departure airport.
Synopsis
A320 flight crew received a Cargo Smoke Warning ECAM and elected to perform an air turn back and overweight landing at departure airport.
Narrative
During initial climb; passing about 8000 feet an ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor) Cargo Smoke Warning occurred; but then quickly stopped and went away. However; the last page; only; of the ECAM Actions for cargo smoke was displayed on the STS (Status) page. Moments later; passing through about 10000 feet the same warning recurred and again stopped and vanished. The STS continued to display the same last page.Since we [were] coasting-out and were unable to determine whether or not we were on fire; and unable to determine if the warning was for the for the forward or aft cargo compartment; I transferred aircraft control and ATC communications responsibilities to the First Officer; with the command to request priority handling and return to the departure airport ASAP.We each completed our divided duties and re-joined as a crew; so to speak; on about a 10 mile final. Although we were about 21;000 pounds above maximum landing weight; First Officer rolled the aircraft onto the runway as smooth as could be and brought us to a stop on the center line. I found the procedure of calling 'My Aircraft' and the onset of both warnings very helpful. And the method of dividing responsibilities; i.e.; 'Your aircraft; your radios' to serve us perfectly as well.
Second reporter narrative
During climbout; we received a Cargo Smoke master warning and ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor); which went away after a few seconds. Same Warning and ECAM reappeared and went away again after a couple minutes. We requested priority handling and returned to ZZZZ. Performed an overweight landing (approximately 163;000 pounds) IAW QRH procedures. Captain coordinated with local ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Foam); Maintenance; and Ops; and made AML (Aircraft Maintenance Logbook) entry.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.