EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Procedure
Climbing out at approximately 5;000 FT MSL; a loud bang was heard by both myself and the First Officer (F/O). We both thought the sound was from the Flight Attendant (F/A) moving about in the galley. About a minute went by; and the noise happened again (louder this time) and we both felt a vibration coming from the floorboards. The bang and vibrations continued and felt like they were happening quicker. The F/A called us and advised us that he too heard the noise and the passengers were all looking at him concerned. We (the F/O and myself) discussed the situation and decided the best course of action was made to return. We notified ATC and were given vectors back. We declared an emergency and requested a low approach so ATC can check that the gear was okay and the doors were attached. We did a low approach and then landed. We were met by the ARFF vehicles and they did a gear check once we were clear of the runway. We then taxied back to the gate and were met by Maintenance. They said that it was probably the nose gear proximity switches going bad. The aircraft had been written up the day prior for the same problem and the proximity switches were apparently replaced and signed off with an 'ops check good'. Unknown sounds and thumps coming from nose gear. Not knowing if the gear doors were securely attached.
EMB145 Captain reports a thumping noise coming from the nose gear during climb. The Captain elects to return to the departure airport for an uneventful landing. The aircraft had been written up the day prior for the same problem and a repair was accomplished.