A Q400's door warning indicated the aft cargo door was open climbing through about 1;500 FT after takeoff. An emergency was declared and the crew returned to the departure airport where it was determined that Ground Personnel had not properly closed the door.
Synopsis
A Q400's door warning indicated the aft cargo door was open climbing through about 1;500 FT after takeoff. An emergency was declared and the crew returned to the departure airport where it was determined that Ground Personnel had not properly closed the door.
Narrative
After departing and during initial climb; the master warning annunciator sounded and illuminated and the fuselage doors warning annunciator also illuminated. Simultaneously the aircraft lost all pressurization. This occurred at approximately 1;000-1;500 FT MSL. We (the crew) subsequently went to the doors page of the MFD and confirmed that the aft baggage door was annunciating an unsafe condition. I called for the QRH for fuselage doors and the First Officer performed and completed the QRH checklist. During which time we informed the Tower of the problem and requested vectors back to the departure airport for the air return. Since the aircraft lost pressurization immediately upon the activation of the Master Warning; as well as a very rapid de-pressurization; I decided to declare the emergency and request priority handling from the Tower. I also informed the flight attendants of the nature of the emergency and that we would be returning back to the departure airport. I then made a PA informing the passengers of the problem and that we would be returning back to the airport. The flight crew prepared the aircraft for landing by obtaining the appropriate performance data and performing and descent and before landing checklist. It was also determined that the aircraft was not over its max landing weight limits of 62;000 LBS. I executed a visual approach to Runway 25 and landed without incident. Upon reaching the gate after the air return; it was discovered that the aft baggage door handle had popped out and triggered the annunciators. Apparently; through a mechanic's inspection; he had determined that the baggage door handle had not been completed closed by the ground handling crew. It is my understanding that this issue has occurred a number of times before; mainly in stations new to handling this particular aircraft. Proper and thorough training with respect to this door issue should be paramount.
Second reporter narrative
After return to the gate; the Captain visually inspected the aft cargo door prior to ground crew; which was found to be popped out open and one bag was leaning against it. The aircraft was then deplaned and Maintenance called to inspect the door. It is possible that the event happened because the door was not latched close properly on the ground prior departure or failed to latch close in the air.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.