EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Shortly after takeoff; approximately 800 FT MSL; received a 'BAGG SMOKE' warning on the EICAS accompanied by the warning horn and BAGG SMOKE light illuminated on the overhead panel. We continued the takeoff profile and cleaned up the aircraft at acceleration height. We then ran the QRH and notified ATC of the situation. In accordance with the QRH we used the halon bottle in the cargo hold. Then we landed at the nearest suitable airport; which was the one we just departed. I had the Flight Attendant check through the peephole to see if there was any evidence of fire; and none was observed. We advised ATC of our intentions to return; declared an emergency; and requested the fire trucks to meet us just in case. We talked to Operations advising them of our return and they assigned us a gate. We asked ATC to pass on to the Fire Department that the halon had been used and to use appropriate caution opening the door; which they did. We landed below landing weight; taxied clear and the fire trucks verified no fire; so we taxied to the gate with the trucks in trail. After parking they also went through each bag to confirm no fire. The First Officer; Flight Attendant; ATC and fire crews all performed and communicated well. A new aircraft was obtained; bags transferred for the flight.
EMB145 Captain receives a BAGG SMOKE warning shortly after takeoff. ATC is advised and the QRH is consulted resulting in the halon bottle being discharged into the cargo compartment. Flight returns to departure airport where the warning is found to be false.