Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Upon climbout from a normal takeoff; at approximately 4;000 MSL; with me (First Officer) as PF (Pilot Flying); an 'ELEVATOR SPLIT' caution message appeared on ED-1 (EICAS Display). Upon recognizing the condition; Captain assigned me flying duties while he ran the QRH (Quick Reference Handbook) procedure for this message and handled radios. ATC was notified of the situation as we continued the climb towards assigned altitude.The QRH procedure ultimately directed us to limit airspeed to 200 KIAS; turn autopilot disengaged; limit elevator control input (use elevator trim instead to control pitch); and land at the nearest suitable field with no more than flaps 20.[ATC was advised]; an [assessment] was run; and we were vectored to [the origin airport] for a normal ILS approach and landing. Upon landing; fire and rescue followed us to the gate without further incident.Cause determined to be a faulty elevator control mechanism. Recommend to inspect elevator controls more frequently.
On climbout of [the departure airport] we received an ELEVATOR SPLIT caution; AP (Auto Pilot) TRIM is ND and CAS MISCOMP messages. The FO (First Officer) was PF (Pilot Flying); I stated to continue. Once we were above 10;000 feet; I pulled up the QRH (Quick Reference Handbook). It stated disengage autopilot; speed less than 200 KIAS and land at nearest suitable airport. We complied with the QRH and informed ATC of the restriction and that we would be returning to field. I called the flight attendants and gave an [assessment]. I briefed the passengers and stated 'we have a minor maintenance issue and we will be returning to [the origin airport]; follow your flight attendants instructions.' I alerted Dispatch. I then [requested priority handling] with Approach. The QRH also called for a flaps 20 landing. We landed without incident and below max landing weight. I recall our landing weight was 66;200 lbs. The fire trucks responded and followed us to the gate. At the gate we deplaned and I wrote up the issue; Maintenance met us at the gate.
CRJ-700 flight crew reported receiving an Elevator Split message on climbout. Aircraft returned to departure airport.