EMB-145 flight crew reported during initial climb that smoke began to appear in the flight deck and a return to the departure airport was safely accomplished.
Synopsis
EMB-145 flight crew reported during initial climb that smoke began to appear in the flight deck and a return to the departure airport was safely accomplished.
Narrative
Nothing unexpected until after climb check was completed. Noticed EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System) advisory message PACK 1 VLV CLSD around 3000ft. CA was pulling QRH to address that message however smoke appeared behind FO flight controls below his instruments; along with a burning smell; similar to metallic burning or that reminiscent of an ironworks/blacksmith shop. CA confirmed with FO if he could both smell and see the smoke. After confirmation; both crewmembers followed QRC procedures and donned oxygen masks and established communication. However crew elected to not don goggles due to small size of smoke haze; and the fact that it did not rise; increase in volume; nor obscure flight instruments or windshields. Advised ATC prior to 4000 ft. ATC assigned level off at 4000 ft and vectors for XX upon request. CA ran Smoke/Fumes QRH until directed to switch PF to PIC per QRH. FO took over QRH while CA managed flying and radios. Smoke had dissipated by the time the positive exchange of controls was established. Crew opted not to deploy PAX O2; as optioned by QRH. Established communication with FA; directed that no evacuation was anticipated. Once that smoke was determined to be clear and no smell lingered; crew opted to perform Overweight Landing per QRH. While CA continued flying and slowed down to burn more fuel; FO performed calculations as necessary. ATC vectored A/C onto straight in visual XX. Landing was achieved at around 1000lbs overweight and at 200ft/min; according FO callouts. Due to QRH procedures; tiller was unusable; so CA steered off runway using rudders onto high speed turn off. After full stop; CA set brakes and established communication with ground crew. No smoke was detected on the outside; and FA confirmed the same inside. CA requested a tow back to gate. Additionally; due to PACKS (Pneumatic Air Conditioning Kits) being the probable cause of the smoke; CA directed FA to open both service and main cabin doors in an attempt to keep the cabin as cool as possible.
Second reporter narrative
Nothing unexpected until after climb check was completed. Noticed EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System) advisory message PACK 1 VLV CLSD around 3000ft. CA was pulling QRH to address that message however smoke appeared behind FO flight controls below his instruments; along with a burning smell; similar to metallic burning or that reminiscent of an ironworks/blacksmith shop. CA confirmed with FO if he could both smell and see the smoke. After confirmation; both crewmembers followed QRC procedures and donned oxygen masks and established communication. However crew elected to not don goggles due to small size of smoke haze; and the fact that it did not rise; increase in volume; nor obscure flight instruments or windshields. Advised ATC prior to 4000 ft. ATC assigned level off at 4000 ft and vectors for XX upon request. CA ran Smoke/Fumes QRH until directed to switch PF to PIC per QRH. FO took over QRH while CA managed flying and radios. Smoke had dissipated by the time the positive exchange of controls was established. Crew opted not to deploy PAX O2; as optioned by QRH. Established communication with FA; directed that no evacuation was anticipated. Once that smoke was determined to be clear and no smell lingered; crew opted to perform Overweight Landing per QRH. While CA continued flying and slowed down to burn more fuel; FO performed calculations as necessary. ATC vectored A/C onto straight in visual XX. Landing was achieved at around 1000lbs overweight and at 200ft/min; according FO callouts. Due to QRH procedures; tiller was unusable; so CA steered off runway using rudders onto high speed turn off. After full stop; CA set brakes and established communication with ground crew. No smoke was detected on the outside; and FA confirmed the same inside. CA requested a tow back to gate. Additionally; due to PACKS (Pneumatic Air Conditioning Kits) being the probable cause of the smoke; CA directed FA to open both service and main cabin doors in an attempt to keep the cabin as cool as possible.Suggestions: Crew should have completed full QRC and opted to later discuss option to take goggles off after smoke was confirmed dissipated.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.