Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft; Procedure
Received aircraft from maintenance. We executed a normal departure from ZZZ. After transferring the bleeds to the engines we began to detect a burning smell. I confirmed the smell with the FO and then with the FA. At this point we decided to return to ZZZ. The FO and I put on our O2 mask and completed the Smoke and Fumes IAC and QRH. We suspected the left pack was the issue so the L pack and 10th stage bleeds were secured. We executed a normal landing. The fire trucks were standing by at the side of the runway. We cleared the runway and I contacted the FA to advise that we would taxi to the gate. I notified the tower that they could release the trucks and we would taxi to the gate. I had removed my mask to speak with the FA. I could no longer detect any fumes and out of precaution I secured the R Pack and pressed the EMER DEPRESS button now that we were on the ground to assist with evacuating any additional fumes if they were present in the back. We returned to the gate and completed all required tasks with the company. Mechanics that came out to the aircraft stated the aircraft had just gone through a compressor wash for the L Engine. It may have been the cause of the fumes as the smell was similar to that of oven cleaner in a hot oven.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
CRJ-200 flight crew reported they returned to their departure airport after noticing a burning smell shortly after takeoff. Fumes were suspected to be the result of an engine wash accomplished earlier.