Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Distraction; Time Pressure; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft
During climb out from ZZZ around 12;500 ft.; we got a Passenger Door Master Warning message that went away shortly and reappeared. Pressurization looked fine. Prior to running the QRH; the First Officer (FO) answered the phone from the flight attendants (FA) who told him the passenger door assist handle lifted up halfway. During a radio frequency change I had advised ATC we would be [requesting priority handling] and returning to ZZZ but needed to run a checklist.We were then advised to stop climb at 14;000 ft. We were given headings back to ZZZ. We ran the QRH and returned back to ZZZ. I asked ATC to advise Dispatch to reduce our workload. I advised the FAs we would be returning to ZZZ and landing in about 10 minutes [and that] there wouldn't be a need to brace. Then; I made an announcement to the passengers about the situation and [that] we would be returning to ZZZ and landing in about 10 minutes. I advised the FAs if the door was making a noise to stay away. The Forward FA was not comfortable letting go of the door assist handle. I was later told she was able to remain in her seat with seatbelt attached while still holding the assist handle in the closed position. Upon clearing of the runway with normal conditions we cancelled the [priority handling] and taxied to the gate. [The cause of the incident was the] passenger door assist handle lifted up.
CRJ-700 Captain reported the main cabin door assist handle lifted up halfway during climb out.