B717 (Formerly MD-95)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
Climbing through 12;000 FT both AC tie bus relays tripped open causing numerous level 1 alerts and continuous stick shaker activation. This activated the emergency power - powering only the AC ground service bus off the ships batteries. I notified ATC and requested to stop the climb so we could analyze and treat the emergency. We performed the checklist for AC GS BUS OFF. This calls for a landing at the nearest suitable airport. Aircraft weight was 114;000 LBS - I requested to return to our departure airport and a short hold to reduce the landing weight below 110;000 LBS. The air return; landing; and gate return were uneventful. Maintenance met us at the gate. I made the appropriate log entries - aircraft weight at landing was approximately 108;000 LBS.
A B717 returned to their departure airport when both bus tie relays opened during their climb.