Air Carrier CRJ900 flight crew reported 'Smoke Aft Lav' warning message enunciated during initial climb. Flight requested special handling to departure airport; completed QRH procedures and received flight attendant confirmation of no visible smoke in cabin. A safe landing executed and taxied to gate to deplane passengers.
Synopsis
Air Carrier CRJ900 flight crew reported 'Smoke Aft Lav' warning message enunciated during initial climb. Flight requested special handling to departure airport; completed QRH procedures and received flight attendant confirmation of no visible smoke in cabin. A safe landing executed and taxied to gate to deplane passengers.
Narrative
Upon departure from ZZZ1 Runway XXC; a SMOKE AFT LAV red warning message appeared along with the associated aural warning. This occurred at approximately 800 ft. AGL. The indication was acknowledged by both myself and the Captain. The take-off was continued and the Captain called for flaps up and the After Take-off Checklist; both of which were accomplished. The Captain continued to fly the airplane while I referenced the QRC (Quick Reference Checklist)/QRH (Quick Reference Handbook) for the red message. I called the Flight Attendant and could immediately and clearly hear the smoke detector through the intercom. I asked if there was any visible smoke or smell of smoke in the cabin. There was none. The forward Flight Attendant asked the aft Flight Attendant to feel the lavatory door for heat. The Flight Attendants relayed that everything appeared normal. I relayed the information to the Captain and we agreed that there was not an in-flight fire condition; and that the warning message was simply an indication.We were in contact with ZZZ1 Departure throughout the event and informed them that we would be returning to land at ZZZ1. The Captain requested priority with ATC. We were then vectored for a visual approach to Runway XXR. While that was happening; I continued to run the QRH which involved pulling approximately six circuit breakers. This task required me to leave my seat so the radios were transferred to the Captain. Upon returning to my seat; I began to set us up for the visual approach to XXR by getting landing data and programming the FMS (Flight Management System). The QRH checklist was closed out prior to these tasks. We were also in contact with Dispatch and the company via radio and ACARS messaging. Meanwhile; the Flight Attendants attempted to reset the faulty smoke detector with no success. Descent and before landing checklists were completed.An uneventful landing was made and we determined the aircraft to be in a safe state to return to a gate to deplane the passengers. Airport vehicles followed us from the runway to the gate. We asked if they could see any smoke or signs of fire from outside the aircraft and they stated that they could not. The aircraft was parked at the gate and the passengers deplaned. Maintenance arrived at the aircraft shortly after and began maintenance actions. The SMOKE AFT LAV message was displayed continuously throughout the event. The smoke alarm itself could also be heard continuously during the event.
Second reporter narrative
Upon departure from ZZZ1 Runway XXC; a SMOKE AFT LAV red warning message appeared along with the associated aural warning. This occurred at approximately 800 ft. AGL. The indication was acknowledged by both myself and the Captain. The take-off was continued and the Captain called for flaps up and the After Take-off Checklist; both of which were accomplished. The Captain continued to fly the airplane while I referenced the QRC (Quick Reference Checklist)/QRH (Quick Reference Handbook) for the red message. I called the Flight Attendant and could immediately and clearly hear the smoke detector through the intercom. I asked if there was any visible smoke or smell of smoke in the cabin. There was none. The forward Flight Attendant asked the aft Flight Attendant to feel the lavatory door for heat. The Flight Attendants relayed that everything appeared normal. I relayed the information to the Captain and we agreed that there was not an in-flight fire condition; and that the warning message was simply an indication.We were in contact with ZZZ1 Departure throughout the event and informed them that we would be returning to land at ZZZ1. The Captain requested priority with ATC. We were then vectored for a visual approach to Runway XXR. While that was happening; I continued to run the QRH which involved pulling approximately six circuit breakers. This task required me to leave my seat so the radios were transferred to the Captain. Upon returning to my seat; I began to set us up for the visual approach to XXR by getting landing data and programming the FMS (Flight Management System). The QRH checklist was closed out prior to these tasks. We were also in contact with Dispatch and the company via radio and ACARS messaging. Meanwhile; the Flight Attendants attempted to reset the faulty smoke detector with no success. Descent and before landing checklists were completed.An uneventful landing was made and we determined the aircraft to be in a safe state to return to a gate to deplane the passengers. Airport vehicles followed us from the runway to the gate. We asked if they could see any smoke or signs of fire from outside the aircraft and they stated that they could not. The aircraft was parked at the gate and the passengers deplaned. Maintenance arrived at the aircraft shortly after and began maintenance actions. The SMOKE AFT LAV message was displayed continuously throughout the event. The smoke alarm itself could also be heard continuously during the event.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.