CRJ200 flight crew reported a pack pressurization issue during climb coupled with a misunderstanding of MEL procedures necessitated a return to the departure airport.
Synopsis
CRJ200 flight crew reported a pack pressurization issue during climb coupled with a misunderstanding of MEL procedures necessitated a return to the departure airport.
Narrative
The aircraft had an MEL for a left PACK inoperative. Since the MEL was entered during the night previous to the flight; the first opportunity to review the MEL remarks was during our preflight preparation. During our preflight preparation we did not review the complete MEL remarks. While we were aware of the altitude limitation; we did not review the remarks for operating with one PACK inoperative of the MEL. During our climb out; the PM attempted to transfer the right PACK to the right engine bleed air. The right PACK immediately experienced an overpressure; indicated by the R PACK HI PRESS Crew Alert System (CAS) message. After returning the PACK to APU bleed air; we requested and received a level off at 10k ft. for troubleshooting. The PM and Pilot Oberserver (PO) completed the QRH procedure for this malfunction. They were unable to transfer the PACK to engine bleed air using this procedure. During subsequent troubleshooting; they were able to complete the transfer; they tried other configurations of the bleed air valves. However; advancing the right thrust lever above approximately 75% resulted in another overpressure in the PACK. After 1 additional attempt; with the same results; I made the decision to return to ZZZ. We coordinated our return to ZZZ and recovered via a visual approach without further incident.Cause: We were distracted by another MEL during preflight preparation and failed to review the entire MEL Operations remarks section for the left PACK prior to departure. While it is likely the failure would have occurred even if we had completed the procedures stipulated in the MEL; our error was not completing the MEL review.Suggestions: I would recommend crews open the Aircraft Information section and view the list of MELs during preflight preparation and briefing. For example; prior to the departure brief; we can review the list; view each operations remark for each MEL as a crew. This will ensure any relevant procedures are in mind as we brief the departure. As for our crew; I reviewed how to find and read the MEL and remarks with each crew member. We also reviewed the event; including how the MEL procedures might have affected our decisions.
Second reporter narrative
Prior to departure the aircraft had an MEL. Prior to departure we failed to review the MEL procedure but aware of the altitude limitation which was discussed. We also discussed in the event of a dual PACK failure options we could take. On Departure we received a HI PRESS indication. We arrested the climb after notifying ATC. We followed the QRH Procedures in attempt to reset the operable PACK. After power reduction we were able to reset the PACK until the power was applied to climb power. The HI PRESS indication came on again. The decision was made to return to ZZZ and a visual approach was completed. Cause: Failure to review the MEL prior to departure. Suggestions: Maybe an adding the words MEL/Configuration Deviation List (CDL) - REVIEWED on the Turn/Before Start Checklist.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.