A321 pilot reported master caution indication for over wing door during climb. Flight returned to departure airport for uneventful landing.
Synopsis
A321 pilot reported master caution indication for over wing door during climb. Flight returned to departure airport for uneventful landing.
Narrative
Flight 1 (Day 0)ZZZ-ZZZ1CA: Person A Pilot Monitoring FO: Person B Pilot FlyingFlight Summary: Nice aircraft; clean maintenance book. Beautiful day departing ZZZ. Short taxi and uneventful takeoff.Event Description:During climb-out; at approximately 7;500 feet; we received a Master Caution for an overwing exit door. The Master Caution was canceled; and we checked the pressurization system before deciding to level off. Pressurization was normal; so I instructed the FO to continue the climb. Shortly afterward; the ECAM message cleared before we had the chance to address it. At approximately 14;000 feet; we received another Master Caution for the same overwing exit door. We canceled the caution again. This time; I instructed the FO to level off at 15;000 and checked the pressurization system page. Pressurization again appeared normal; with cabin altitude around 1;100 feet. At that moment; the Number 1 Inflight called the flight deck; reporting that they had heard three high chime bells accompanied by a red blinking light on their flight attendant panel. Familiar with this common issue from prior experience; I instructed the inflight crew to verify that the overwing emergency exit door handle cover was properly secured. They confirmed it was not fully in place; reseated it; and the white slide door light; Master Caution; and ECAM message all cleared. While the inflight crew was checking and securing the door handle cover; I began reviewing the QRH. Suddenly; I experienced heaviness in my arms; blurry vision; and slurred speech. I immediately instructed the FO to don his oxygen mask; which I did as well. We advised ATC and initiated a descent below 10;000 feet. Once below 10;000 feet; we removed our masks; and I began feeling better. I asked the FO to inform ATC that we were returning to ZZZ and to request a hold while we sorted out the situation and prepared for the approach. En route to the hold; I called the inflight crew to inform them of the descent and possible diversion; and to check on their condition. The Number 1 inflight reported that the Number 2 was feeling clammy hands and tingling; and the Number 4 was also experiencing tingling and feeling unwell. The FO reported that he was feeling fine. I contacted Dispatch to report the situation and requested to be patched through to Maintenance Control. Maintenance advised that if the door was not leaking and pressurization was normal; they saw no technical reason to discontinue the flight. They offered to patch me to the Duty Pilot for a second opinion; which I accepted. After discussing the situation; including the physiological symptoms experienced by myself and several inflight crew members; the Duty Pilot and I agreed that it was best to return to ZZZ. We were assigned holding at ZZZZZ at 7;000 feet. While in the hold; we set up for the approach; completed all required checklists; including the Overweight Landing Checklist; as we were projected to land above maximum landing weight (174;606 lbs. for our variant). We reviewed all procedures to ensure nothing was missed and that we were ready for the approach. I also called the inflight crew again to brief them on the situation; estimated landing time; and issued a briefing. The approach and landing were uneventful; and we ultimately landed below maximum landing weight at 173;900 lbs. After landing; ATC inquired if we required further assistance; we declined and taxied to Gate XX.Two write-ups were entered in the maintenance logbook: 1 To inspect the overwing exit door/handle cover. 2 To record the landing weight; as requested by Maintenance.Follow-up calls were received from the Duty Pilot to check on crew well being and to offer assistance.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.