CRJ900 flight crew reported the HYD 2 LOW PRESS caution messages displayed climbing through 12000 ft. The flight crew ran the QRH; discovering that hydraulic system 2 had lost all of it's fluid. The flight crew performed an air turn back and landing at the departure airport.
Synopsis
CRJ900 flight crew reported the HYD 2 LOW PRESS caution messages displayed climbing through 12000 ft. The flight crew ran the QRH; discovering that hydraulic system 2 had lost all of it's fluid. The flight crew performed an air turn back and landing at the departure airport.
Narrative
ZZZ1 - ZZZ2 was a full flight with a jump seater. I (Captain) was PM while the First Officer was the Pilot flying (PF). As the aircraft was climbing through 12000 ft. the HYD 2 LOW PRESS caution messages displayed. The message extinguished after a second but started a cycle of coming ON and OFF. I transferred the radios to the First Officer and picked up the QRH. Following the QRH it was discovered that HYD system 2 had lost all its fluid. I instructed the First Officer to inform Center that we needed to stay close to the airport as we were having an issue and needed to run some checklists. They complied and I ran the HYD 2 LOW PRESS QRH procedure but stopped at the prior to landing part of the QRH. I talked to Dispatch and Maintenance about our situation and that we planned to return to ZZZ1. I called the Flight Attendants and informed them that we had a hydraulic system failure; so do not worry as it's not a big deal; that we were going to return to the ZZZ1 and I would be making an announcement to the passengers. I reassured them that the aircraft was ok; that we would have a normal landing and we should taxi back to the terminal. I informed the passengers that one of our systems was not quite working properly but not to worry as we had multiple systems to back up each other. That we were completely safe flying but that we would be returning to ZZZ1. At this point I discussed the situation with the First Officer. We discussed the aircraft's state; who should fly the return flight; and how they were doing. After we talked; it was decided that I would land the aircraft but I would only take the controls once all coordination and QRH procedures were complete. At this time I advised ATC that we would be returning to ZZZ1 but we needed some time to run some checklists. As I was completing the before landing portion of the QRH; a Flight Attendant informed me that one of the passengers was having a panic attack and that they were helping them calm down. They said that they were using cool compresses and talking with the passenger. I asked if we needed medical assistance to meet us? They stated the passenger was adamant that they did not want any medical assistance. I told the Flight Attendant to let me know if the situation worsened and asked if they felt as if the passenger was in any danger. They said the passenger had calmed down and was fine but would inform me if the situation changed. I continued and finished the QRH items before landing. I transferred the controls to me and the radios to the First Officer. We set up for the approach and landing to Runway XXR. Informed ATC that we were ready to be vectored to ZZZ1. We ran the descent checklist and approach checklist at the appropriate times. I had the First Officer inform ATC that I would like to have Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) do a quick check of the aircraft after landing to ensure that we were safe to continue the taxing to the terminal and that we would be using the entire length of the runway. We would be taxiing off at the end for the inspection. After landing and stopping I told the passengers why and what we were doing. I had the First Officer contact operations to find us a gate. After the inspection and all clear I taxied to the terminal where I contacted Dispatch and Maintenance.
Second reporter narrative
Upon taking off Runway YYL no more than 1000 ft. AGL in ZZZ we received 2 lift dumping caution messages that extinguished themselves. We ran QRH as per Company policies and procedures in case the messages were to come back up. Once we leveled off at cruise we received a caution message for GD lift dumping accompanied by hydraulic 3 LOW PRESS. Discovering we had no fluid left in hydraulic 3 we followed QRH notified Dispatch; Flight Attendants; ATC; and passengers. All Company policy and procedures were followed and we continued to ZZZ3. After landing we coordinated with Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) and waited for a tug to pull us to the gate.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.