Air carrier flight crew reported Engine Anti Ice failure and diversion to nearest VMC airport.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported Engine Anti Ice failure and diversion to nearest VMC airport.
Narrative
Preflight; taxi; takeoff; and climb operated as normal. Entered icing conditions during climb and didn't exit until 15;000 MSL. As we broke out of the clouds; E1 A/ICE FAIL" msg populated on the EICAS. As were were preparing to run the QRH; the "ICE COND-A/ICE INOP" message populated on the EICAS; but went away after approximately 3 seconds; as we had already exited icing conditions. We ran the "ENGINE ANTI-ICE FAILURE" QRH checklist and the failure state persisted. QRH states "Icing conditions....AVOID/EXIT." After about 5 minutes; the message went away and we attempted to recreate the issue by turning the Ice Detection Override Knob to All. All appropriate lights illuminated on the overhead panel; except the "open" inscription on E1 lip anti ice. The "E1 A/ICE FAIL" message also reappeared. We [requested priority handling] at that time and informed ATC we could not land at our intended destination due to anticipated and previously reported icing conditions in the descent. Looking out the window in all directions; the undercast layer stretched as far as we could see. We turned south and set up for long range cruise in an attempt to find warmer air. Our first diversion airport of choice was ZZZ1; as was Dispatch's preference; but we found the weather to be unsuitable via ATC reports of icing and the ACARS TERM WX report. ATC advised that ZZZ2 and ZZZ3 were the only nearby airports that were doing visual approaches and did not have reports of icing in the descent. Once we ACARS messaged Dispatch the reports we were getting from ATC and other aircraft in the area; we all agreed to divert to ZZZ2. Descent and landing proceeded normally. There were no injuries nor damage to property. No emergency vehicles assisted; but we did receive priority handling by ATC into ZZZ2."
Second reporter narrative
Preflight; taxi; takeoff and climb out were operated as normal. We entered ice conditions during the climb out of ZZZ around 4;000 feet AGL. We did not exit the icing conditions until after breaking out of the clouds on top around 15;000 feet MSL. Right after exiting the clouds we received and EICAS message stating E1 A/ICE FAIL". After we acknowledged the message the Captain directed us to run the QRH. Following all the appropriate steps in the QRH it led us to the final solution which was to exit or avoid icing conditions. During this time in the northeast there were numerous reports of icing conditions every direction. As a crew we decided to [request priority handling] and work with ZZZ Center as well as Dispatch to find a suitable airport airport for us to land at that would allow us to avoid icing conditions. We set the aircraft up for a long range cruise configuration and went through all the possible options. After receiving multiple options we were notified that ZZZ2 was reporting visual landing conditions on Runway XXL. After discussing as a crew all the options we decided that this was our best option. We continued to ZZZ2 and the descent; landing and taxi were uneventful.Suggestion: Would like for dispatch to consider overcast layers and the standard temperature lapse rate when suggesting airports for diversion"
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.