CRJ flight crew reported Captain's side windshield shattered during flight resulting in a diversion to a nearby airport for an overweight landing.
Synopsis
CRJ flight crew reported Captain's side windshield shattered during flight resulting in a diversion to a nearby airport for an overweight landing.
Narrative
We were cruising at FL370 from ZZZ1 to ZZZ2 after a relatively uneventful flight up to that point. We had returned to gate once on the ground at ZZZ1 for a minor maintenance issue with a passenger flight attendant call button. We received a master caution for L WSHIELD HEAT. CA began working the QRH while maintaining control of the aircraft and I continued my Pilot Monitoring role. Seconds after the caution message appeared; a layer of the left windshield completely shattered. I immediately requested a descent to 10;000ft and we were granted down to FL240. We began an emergency descent and exchanged flight controls shortly after. According to [EICAS] ED2 there was no problem holding pressurization so we elected to continue without donning oxygen masks. In the descent we informed ATC of the nature of our issue and [requested priority handling]. Shortly thereafter we were cleared to descend to an altitude below 10;000. CA ran the checklist and completed the appropriate QRH procedures. I took roles of both Pilot Monitoring and Pilot Flying. We diverted to ZZZ; received vectors for the visual approach to [Runway] XXL and performed a normal albeit overweight landing. Completed all checklists and taxied safely to the gate. Cause: According to Contract Maintenance at ZZZ; thermal runaway in the left windshield heater caused the left windshield to shatter. Suggestion: Spread awareness about WSHIELD/WINDOW HEAT caution messages in flight potentially being a precursor to a window or windshield shattering.
Second reporter narrative
In flight at FL370 got a L Windshield Heat caution. Seconds later Captain side front windshield cracked all over. Performed windshield cracking QRH procedure; started a descent and decided to divert. Transferred controls to FO and made a precautionary landing in ZZZ.Cause: The cause is likely a maintenance issue with the windshield.Suggestion: Maybe Maintenance taking a closer look at windshields more often could help prevent this. And better pilot training to help spot potential windshield problems.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.