MD-80 Series (DC-9-80) Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 17500
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
During  climbout passing approximately 28;000; both pilots noticed a hot electrical burning smell which was simultaneously noticed by the flight attendants and passengers in the back of the aircraft.  Flight attendants called us immediately but did not know the source of the fumes although they later indicated fumes where strongest from row 23 forward.We immediately leveled off and initiated the Smoke and Fumes QRH procedure.  Within just a couple of minutes of initiating the checklist; the fumes noticeably dissipated.  The decision was made to return. Approach and Landing were uneventful and there were no crew or passenger injuries or ill effects reported from the fumes. Upon clearing the runway; Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) inspected the exterior of the aircraft with no hotspots or other problems noted.  Aircraft taxied to gate with ARFF escort without further incident.
Climbing though approximately 28;000 feet; we detected a strong burning smell. Almost immediately; the flight attendants called us indicating they and the passengers were  smelling a burning smell in the cabin as well. We initiated QRH procedures and the burning smell dissipated fairly quickly.Upon landing; Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) circled around the aircraft and reported to us they were not detecting any smoke or hotspots that would prevent us from a normal taxi to our assigned gate. After deplaning all passengers; we were met by maintenance personnel and we briefed them on what took place with our flight. No crew members or passengers were injured.
An MD80 series flight crew and cabin detect strong electrical fumes while passing FL280 during climb. The QRH procedures are complied with; greatly reducing the fumes and the flight returns to the departure airport.