CRJ-900 flight crew reported the Captain's windshield visibly cracked at FL360. Flight continued to destination.
Synopsis
CRJ-900 flight crew reported the Captain's windshield visibly cracked at FL360. Flight continued to destination.
Narrative
While in cruise at FL360 on a scheduled flight to ZZZ; approximately one hour from destination; the flight crew observed a crack indication on the left cockpit window.The crew referenced and accomplished the applicable QRH procedure. ATC was advised and requested priority handling. Dispatch and Maintenance Control were notified; and the cabin crew and passengers were briefed.The aircraft was cleared to descend to FL240 and subsequently to 11;000 feet; where it remained for approximately 30 minutes while the situation was monitored.During this period: • [EICAS] indications remained normal • Cabin altitude and differential pressure remained within normal limits • No additional abnormal indications were observedAfter completing the QRH procedure and confirming all indications were stable; the flight crew determined it was safe to continue to the planned destination in coordination with Dispatch and Maintenance.The aircraft landed uneventfully at ZZZ. No injuries occurred; and no further issues were encounteredCause: Captain side window cracked
Second reporter narrative
Aircraft was at cruise; FL360 when a loud bang was heard on the flight deck. Captain and I both discovered significant cracking on the LH outboard windshield. There were no signs of pressurization issues; nor any sounds of leaking or breaching of the pressure vessel. Captain ran the QRH while I initiated a descent. After conferring with dispatch; decision was made to continue to ZZZ. ATC requested priority handling on our behalf and we proceeded direct destination.A normal landing was made. Aircraft handling characteristics were not adversely affected as a result of the damaged windshield. No injuries were reported and passengers deplaned at the jetbridge normally. An initial postflight inspection did not reveal any impact damage to the aircraft that could be a root cause.Cause: Unknown cause of cracking. An initial postflight examination did not reveal any immediately apparent impact damage to the aircraft that could have caused this.Suggestions: Check on the windshield itself to include torquing during installation; DVI (Detailed Visual Inspection) of the airframe for possible impact damage; and inspection of the windshield heater elements.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.