EMB-145 flight crew reported fuel pumps cycling on and off caused a fuel imbalance. The flight crew performed an air turn back and precautionary landing at departure airport.
Synopsis
EMB-145 flight crew reported fuel pumps cycling on and off caused a fuel imbalance. The flight crew performed an air turn back and precautionary landing at departure airport.
Narrative
While boarding the fuel pumps began to click on and off. We assumed the fuelers were taking fuel off the airplane. No one had mentioned any plans for this prior to it happening. We called Dispatch and discussed the plans with them and received a new release. We reviewed the new release and gained clearance to push taxied out and departed XX. Upon crossing through 10;000 feet the clicking began again and we noticed an imbalance of fuel with the #2 tank significantly low and E2 low fuel pressure caution popped up on the EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System). We ran the QRH (Quick Reference Handbook) at that point and could not correct the clicking. The #2 tank was rapidly burning fuel. It appeared we weren't using the #1 fuel tank at all. We opted to request priority handling and return to the field in ZZZ as we were just about to cross ZZZZZ. We notified Dispatch; the FA (Flight Attendants); and the pax (passengers); and proceeded to set up for and safely land XXL in ZZZ. The fire trucks made sure we were not leaking fuel on the taxiway and we returned to the gate.
Second reporter narrative
During boarding; the fuel pumps began to click on and off. We tried to figure out why this was happening; everything looked normal. We looked out the window and the fuelers were defueling the aircraft without notifying us. We called Dispatch to find out why this was happening and we received a new release. We pushed and started taxiing out and departed Runway XX; everything was normal. Passing through 10;000 feet the clicking began again and noticed an imbalance of fuel with the right tank lower than normal and ENG 2 Low Press caution came on the EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System). Ran QRH (Quick Reference Handbook) and could not correct the issue. The number 2 tank was rapidly burning fuel. It appeared the number 1 fuel tank was not being used. He discussed our options. We decided the safest course of action would be to request priority handling and return to ZZZ; as we were still early on the departure and just about to cross ZZZZZ. We notified Dispatch and Flight Attendant and Passengers. We proceeded to set the aircraft up for the visual Runway XXL and made a safe landing in ZZZ. After exiting the runway; fire trucks inspected aircraft for a fuel Leak. No fuel leak was found. We returned to the gate.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.