B-737-800 air carrier crew reported cockpit smoke from the area around a flight deck window during climb. The crew returned safely to the departure airport and landed safely overweight.
Synopsis
B-737-800 air carrier crew reported cockpit smoke from the area around a flight deck window during climb. The crew returned safely to the departure airport and landed safely overweight.
Narrative
I was Pilot Monitoring. During climbout from ZZZZ; passing approximately 4;000 feet; multiple electrical sparks; a popping sound; and white smoke starting coming from underneath and on the left side of the glare shield panel; approximately where the PTT (push to talk) MIC button is located. I announced FIRE" to the First Officer; ensured that he was flying the aircraft; and then decided we need to immediately return back to ZZZZ. I asked the First Officer to level off at 5;000 feet; I [requested priority handling] with ZZZZ Tower; advised them we had a fire onboard; and needed an immediate return to Runway X at ZZZZ. We donned oxygen masks; I established communication with the First Officer; and began to run the Smoke; Fire; or Fumes QRC and QRH. Due to time constraints; priority was given to notifying dispatch; having the Flight Attendants prepare for a precautionary landing back at ZZZZ; and making an announcement to the passengers. I then briefly looked at the Overweight Landing checklist and considerations; and began to setup for the ILS X approach back into ZZZZ. The First Officer had everything set up and had checked the performance charts regarding the overweight landing. We agreed we would land; stop on the runway; and have CFR (Crash Fire Rescue) inspect the airplane; especially the landing gear and brakes. The First Officer made a routine and normal landing with flaps 30; Autobrakes 3; at approximately 166;200 pounds. Once we were stopped and the parking brake was set; I lowered the flaps to 40; stowed the speed brakes; and made the announcement to "REMAIN SEATED". CFR inspected the airplane; didn't notice any anomalies; and cleared us to taxi to the gate at Stand 1. We ensured that the CFR vehicles followed us to the gate to keep watch on the brakes and landing gear.Cause: L1 forward window was recently replaced. Maintenance technician discovered burnt and chaffed wiring to the L1 Window Heat under the glareshield upon further investigation."
Second reporter narrative
I was PF (pilot flying) and still hand flying. Aircraft was clean and flown at up bug for terrain considerations. Climbing thru 4000 the Captain noticed sparks and smoke from under left side of glare shield. He called it out and said we need to return. Oxygen masks were donned and communication established. ATC advised with a [request for priority handling]. I engaged Autopilot selected V/S and reset MCP (Mode Control Panel) altitude to 5000; with weather being VMC and us turning away from terrain.. Captain advised ATC we were turning downwind for approach X and started checklist. Right after smoke was noticed we also noticed master caution and anti-ice with window overheat on L1 window. Abeam or slightly after abeam the field; flaps selected to 1 then 5. I extracted landing distance from AOM while Captain continued checklist. I adviced ATC of the need for ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) vehicles. We briefly discussed the need to look at brake cooling schedule and advice ARFF to inspect aircraft and wheels/brakes and then follow us to the remote stand. Approach preparations for ILS was accomplished on base leg now descending to 3000 ft. ATC cleared us to intercept from a 085 heading and approach was accomplished with Flaps 30 and Autobrakes 3 with weight approximately 167200 lbs. Full reversed used after normal landing and aircraft brought to a stop just short of Taxiway 1 where ARFF vehicles were standing by. Captain informed passengers to remain seated; we lowered flaps to 40. After short inspection they followed us to remote parking stand. Operations was adviced to inform ground crew not to approach main gear and only chock the nose gear.Cause: L1 window heat wiring found chaffed and burnt by mechanic during investigation after parking.Solution: Re-evaluate wiring installation for window heat. L1 Window was replaced two days ago.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.