Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
We were departing mid-morning during VMC conditions. The First Officer was the pilot flying. Everything was normal up to and during the takeoff roll. Shortly after rotation; the ADG deployed. After running the After Takeoff checklist; I ran the QRH; and we planned to return. While the ADG was deployed; we noticed that all electric indications on the electric synoptic page appeared normal; and all buses were powered. The only unusual EICAS message was the amber 'L Windshield Heat' caution message. There were no messages pertaining to the electrical system. We of course had not touched the ADG manual release handle. With all indications appearing normal; it appeared that the ADG should not have deployed. Due to the uncertainty of the ADG; and the noise in the flight deck; we decided to return for a normal landing. We checked the fuel and anticipated landing weight; which was right at the maximum. We notified the Dispatcher via ACARS; and the flight release was amended. We notified the Flight Attendant as well as the passengers that we were returning for a normal landing; and the reason. The flight was concluded without further incident. The ADG deployed when it apparently didn't need to. This resulted in a high workload to run checklists and prepare for an air return; all while the ADG was creating a noisy flight deck.
CRJ200 Captain experiences an ADG deployment shortly after takeoff for no apparent reason. The crew elects to return to the departure airport for an uneventful landing at maximum landing weight.