2023-02 · NASA ASRS report 1978541
CRJ-900 flight crew reported a NMAC with another aircraft that required evasive action while descending for landing.
In our descent into ZZZ operating Aircraft X ZZZ1 to ZZZ; we had a TCAS RA. The other flight; I believe; was another company [CRJ]-900. We were given instructions by ATC to descend and maintain 11;000 ft. The other aircraft was in its climb to cruise. ATC had warned both aircraft of each other and told them to maintain visual separation. My Captain had been the one to acquire visual separation because the other aircraft was at our low 10 - 11 o'clock and out of my sight range. About 200 ft. before we leveled off I saw my Captain bring the throttles to idle; shallow the descent massively; and deploy the speed brakes in order to get behind the aircraft as he determined we may cross flight paths. As the other aircraft disappeared from his line of sight we got our first TCAS RA. It was a level off RA and we immediately began to follow. Seconds later it changed to a climb RA that peaked at +4;000 ft. per minute. We again proceeded to follow it and once it was resolved; returned to our assigned altitude and informed ATC.The other crew failed to maintain visual and situational awareness. This resulted in them climbing into us and causing the TCAS RA. Pilot should have maintained adequate visual contact and separation. They should have also not begun a climb in speed mode till they were well clear of us; the passing traffic overhead.
While descending into ZZZ; we were cleared to descend to 11;000 ft in preparation for landing. At around 15;000 ft; ATC pointed out another aircraft at our 10 - 11 o' clock at 5 miles; climbing below us to 10;000 ft. As pilot flying; I saw the aircraft and told the FO (First Officer) to report we had the traffic in sight; and slowed our descent as to not have a closure rate RA on him. When the traffic reported us in sight; ATC instructed him to 'maintain visual separation' with us; and to climb to FL230. Upon hearing this; I deployed the spoilers as to stay behind him; in case he decided to climb quickly. At 11;400 ft; I lost sight of him as he was under our nose; and immediately got a TCAS TA on him. In response I slowed our descent rate to 200 FPM vertical speed. Immediately after this; I got a 'LEVEL OFF' RA; which I complied with immediately; disconnecting the autopilot. One second later; we got a 'CLIMB CLIMB' RA; with the aircraft requiring at least 3;000 FPM climb rate to comply with the RA. I immediately set climb thrust; stowed the spoilers; and complied with the RA; while the FO reported the RA to ATC. At 13;000 ft; we got a 'maintain vertical speed' resolution; and I pitched over to maintain the required 500 FPM climb rate; after slowing to 230 KIAS. Once receiving the 'clear of conflict' alert; we alerted ATC; and descended back to 11;000 ft. After checking with the flight attendants to make sure no one was injured; we continued into ZZZ; completing the flight normally. The loss of separation was due to the other crews climbing prematurely and encroaching on our safety area. Crews should be encouraged to keep extra vigilant when told to maintain visual separation with other traffic. I also believe that crews should be discouraged in climbing in SPEED mode while above 10;000 ft.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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