A CRJ-200 flight crew described failing to make a descent crossing restriction primarily due to fatigue.
Synopsis
A CRJ-200 flight crew described failing to make a descent crossing restriction primarily due to fatigue.
Narrative
I was pilot flying at FL310 and given crossing restriction for XXXXX at FL250. The Captain (pilot not flying) selected the altitude and we both called it out. I did not initiate an immediate descent since we where still far off from the fix. I waited for a 3 degree glide slope descent point from the FMS VNAV; but got distracted reviewing the immediate action checklist in the cockpit (in preparation for an upcoming Proficiency Check next week). Just as the Captain and I noticed we were already too close to XXXXX (about 6 miles); I began the descent and used the spoilers to avoid overspeeding. At that very moment ATC called us and asked if we would make that crossing restriction. We initially thought we could and acknowledged. However; once we realized we were going to be over by a few hundred FT; we got back to ATC and told him we were NOT going to make the restriction by a small bit. The Controller then replied that there was NO incoming traffic and gave us a new instruction. I did not sleep well in the overnight the night prior to the flight. In order to remain vigilant in the cockpit; I decided to read and review the immediate action checklist. Instead of helping me stay alert; it distracted me completely and caused us to miss the crossing restriction.
Second reporter narrative
Because the First Officer did not immediately initiate the descent; I assumed he was waiting for a 2-3 degree descent rather than a much shallower one based on our current distance from the fix. At this point; I failed to continue to expressly supervise the descent. Although not asleep by any means and despite several cups of coffee; I drifted in to a personal 'zoning out' period over the next several minutes as a result of the previous evening's relatively short overnight where I had not slept well.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.