B737-800 flight crew reported during descent; the right windshield started arcing and the outer pane cracked. They advised ATC and ran the QRH.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported during descent; the right windshield started arcing and the outer pane cracked. They advised ATC and ran the QRH.
Narrative
On the ZZZZZX arrival; we were given relief of all speed restrictions when descending via. Approximately 24000 ft. an extremely bright white light emanated from the top of the windshield and became larger and brighter. Initially I thought we were hit by an extremely bright and powerful laser; much stronger than a typical pen laser; but shortly realized this was a window arc that turned into something so bright I have not experienced before. I have had several window arc events in my career and at least 2-3 window delaminations. This was something much more severe. Fearing for my First Officer's (FO's) immediate safety; I immediately removed the power source from the window; and the bright light almost immediately reduced in intensity. After a minute of discussing what actually occurred; my FO thought it was a fire; there was a very loud boom and immediately I saw the windshield cracked severely. I pulled out the QRH; advised ATC and [requested priority handling]. I also asked to be given headings to fly and altitudes and to be taken off the arrival. After pulling out the QRH the FO ascertained the outer pane was broken and the inner pane was undamaged. I followed the QRH and worked radios while the FO continued flying. After completing the QRH; and further into the arrival; I advised FO due to his windshield cracks that I would be doing the landing. I also advised the FO to put his goggles on in case the windshield became further damaged; at least he would have extra eye protection. We landed uneventfully; wrote up the event; talked to Maintenance in ZZZ; I called Maintenance Control; and then the duty pilot to provide additional info.Suggestions: I thought we handled the situation as good as we could have.
Second reporter narrative
During the descent in arrival at flight level 240; I noticed a small dot of light on the upper corner of my windshield; which gradually became bigger; brighter; and appeared similar to fire on wire. Whole cockpit was bright. Imagining various possibilities such as traffic or an external light source; I soon realized this was not the case. It was something like electrical fire. It was something bright and also melting texture.We were maintaining a speed of 290-300 kts.; with the speed restriction previously deleted by ATC. The Captain decided to turn off the window heat for the R1 window. Approximately 30 seconds later; we heard a noise akin to an explosion like BOMm" and the window cracked. In response; I grabbed my O2 mask and we [requested priority handling]; after QRH requested vectors for ILS XX at ZZZ Airport. The situation was managed smoothly thereafter. As the First Officer and pilot flying (PF); I transferred control to the Captain and donned my smoke goggles to protect my eyes if something else happened."
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.