Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
On TO roll experienced a steady increase in volume of airflow in the cockpit. Upon liftoff airflow continued to increase until it was extremely difficult to communicate in the cockpit. Flt deck temp increased to 97 degrees. During this time I received cabin call that passengers felt the increased airflow; heard popping noises and noticed damage to cabin sidewalls. Simultaneously (while FO flying); I placed the left pack in the standby cold position at which time both cockpit airflow and temperature returned to normal. I told the FA that I would get back to her once the aircraft was safely airborne. We leveled off at 10;000; I requested vectors back while investigating the situation and I made a PA. I called the cabin and obtained additional information and along with normal cockpit indications (pressurization; airflow and temperature); we decided to climb and continue to our destination. I made PA assuring the passengers that all indications were normal and we would make sure that if there were any abnormalities we would divert and land the airplane. After level off I received another call from the cabin that passengers were still uneasy. At this point I decided to assess the situation for myself. After seeing the damage to the cabin interior and the concern of the passengers; even though the aircraft was performing normally; I elected to return. I declared an emergency and landed uneventfully.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
B757 flight crew experiences a pack failure during takeoff that initially results in very high air flow and high temperatures. The left pack is placed in the standby cold position which seems to correct the problem. The flight attendants report damage to the side wall in the cabin and agitated passengers. The Captain investigates and finding the damage to be significant; elects to return to the departure airport.