B767 flight crew reported the outer pane of the First Officer's windscreen shattered in cruise. Flight returned to departure airport and landed safely.
Synopsis
B767 flight crew reported the outer pane of the First Officer's windscreen shattered in cruise. Flight returned to departure airport and landed safely.
Narrative
During the cruise portion of the flight at FL 360; the First Officer (FO) and I observed arcing on his forward window. Within 10 seconds; we heard a loud bang and observed the window completely shattering the outside pane. I checked pressurization and it seemed normal; but a portion of the outer pane was missing. We promptly followed and completed the [priority handling] procedure in the Flight Manual (FM) and I informed dispatch with the Maintenance Control on the line. We collectively agreed it was wise to return to ZZZZ; [requesting priority handling]. We adjusted our course away from the present track; coordinating with ZZZZ1 to proceed towards ZZZZ2 FIR. After receiving clearance; we followed ATC instructions. Utilizing the diversion guide from the FM; we briefed the lead Flight Attendant (FA) with the necessary information and informed passengers of our situation and planned actions. Subsequently; after discussing with the flight crew; we elevated our condition to a [priority handling] aircraft status to prepare for any further unforeseen events. The remainder of the flight proceeded without incident; and we safely landed back at ZZZZ.
Second reporter narrative
Cruising at FL360; ZZZ to ZZZZ; the Captain and I noticed arcing on my fwd windshield. Within 5 seconds the entire windscreen shattered with a loud bang. We felt the screen and confirmed it was the outer pane; with what seemed to be a giant chunk taken off in the center. I pulled out the hard QRH (Quick Reference Handbook) and ran the appropriate checklist; which led us to turn off my window heat. We then contacted dispatch and Maintenance Control who advised/we confirmed a diversion was best. We initially decided on ZZZZ2 then changed it to ZZZZ. The relief pilot came up to the flight deck a few minutes after the incident. We diverted safely with no further issues.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.