MD-82
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Weight And Balance; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
During takeoff both the first officer and I smelled a very strong electrical burning odor. As soon as we both were aware of this the flight attendants informed me that the whole back of the aircraft was smelling the electrical odor. We [advised ATC]. ATC then vectored us around for an approach while we asked for the fire equipment. We started the QRH checklist but did not finish it as we were landing. We landed overweight. It was a normal touchdown and rollout. The fire trucks were still at the firehouse when I stopped on the runway and I had to wait for them to check my aircraft. Everything was normal so I taxied back to the gate with one fire truck following me.
An air carrier flight crew reported a strong electrical odor shortly after takeoff throughout the cabin and cockpit. The flight crew elected to return to the point of departure. There was no evacuation.