2024-03 · NASA ASRS report 2099809
EMB-145 flight crew reported receiving a terrain alert while flying 1;000 feet lower than they believed due to incorrect altimeter setting on arrival descent. Flight crew corrected altimeter and climbed back to safe altitude.
Altitude Deviation due to incorrect altimeter setting. Altimeter set to 30.41 instead of 29.41. Upon descent through FL180 into ZZZ; the altimeter setting was wrongly set to 30.41. The correct altimeter setting was 29.41. Upon given a descent and lateral clearance to ZZZZZ for the DME ARC ILS XX; Air Traffic Management queried our current altitude. We then noticed the incorrect altimeter setting and corrected.Upon recreating the correct altimeter setting; the aircraft climbed; reducing airspeed. I applied full thrust. The aircraft slowed from 210 knots to 180 knots. After correcting the altitude and speed; we continued to ZZZ with no further incident. Upon speaking with Air Traffic Management via phone; they stated we were 900-1000 feet off our altitude. I had terrain mode on my Multi-Function Display and did not come across any amber or red terrain features at any time during the event.I was so focused on the deteriorated weather and field conditions. I should have allocated more of my cognition toward standard operating procedures. We should have noticed this issue on the descent check. I apologize for my actions and take full responsibility for the event.Suggestions: Ensuring I set the correct altimeter setting is essential to safe and smooth operation. I have to focus on flying the aircraft first; then manage destination variables. Even though it isn't listed in my duty as Pilot Flying; I should have and will listen to the AWOS prior descent through FL180. As Pilot Flying; I always elect to reference the TOLD (Take-off and Landing Data) Card when conducting the Release Brief. As Pilot Flying; I must and will reference the TOLD Card regarding altimeter settings and any other details on descent. I must change the way I view descending into airports with diminished weather. While we had no terrain or radio-altimeter warnings other than that given by Air Traffic Management; setting the correct altimeter setting is imperative especially in mountainous terrain. I am extremely apologetic for this mistake and look to strive for better.
Set Wrong altimeter Setting; started descent into ZZZ; set the wrong Altimeter Setting and got and terrain Alert. After getting the terrain alert I confirmed the correct altimeter setting; the original setting was 30.41 and corrected setting was 29.41. There was not Terrain warning and where we got the alert from ATC; terrain feature was up on the MFD (Multi-Function Flight Display) and showed 12800/8000.Suggestions: Focusing when flying in mountainous terrain and setting altimeter. using the method of verifying and monitor. ZZZ Center asked us to contact them.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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