Air Carrier Flight Crew reports diverting for fuel after weather closes their destination airport. It was determined during a paperwork audit that the release was never amended by the Dispatcher to indicate the new destination.
Synopsis
Air Carrier Flight Crew reports diverting for fuel after weather closes their destination airport. It was determined during a paperwork audit that the release was never amended by the Dispatcher to indicate the new destination.
Narrative
This event was more than 1 month ago. The dispatch release to IAD did not include an alternate. We proceeded to IAD without incident until switching to Washington Center only to be told that they are holding into IAD for a storm over the field. Because we have no alternate we immediately began considering a diversion. The Captain began to communicate with Dispatch via ACARS. (COMMUNICATION 1) He stated that he intended to divert to RIC if we held for much longer. I do not remember the Dispatcher's exact response but it was clear he understood our intentions and agreed. We were then cleared into IAD. (COMMUNICATION 2) We notified Dispatch that we were going to IAD instead of RIC at that point. 5 Minutes later after being cleared in they notified us they have shut down IAD again. (COMMUNICATION 3) He again notified Dispatch we were going to RIC. Our understanding was that the Dispatcher received all messages since he was responding. There was clearly an issue with the communication though. I received notification from the CPO [Chief Pilots Office] that our diversion was coming up as an issue in the FAA audit. I decided a report was necessary. I am not clear on the exact issue. Based on my understanding we complied with the requirements to communicate with Dispatch regarding our diversion. The Dispatcher was notified and seemed to agree with our intentions. I think this is summed up as a communication error. It is clear that the release was not amended.
Second reporter narrative
Was asked by the Chief Pilots Office to submit a report on the divert to RIC. We held for a period of time south of IAD before diverting to RIC due to fuel. We were in constant communication with the Dispatcher via ACARS (in the air) and cell phone (on the ground). In RIC we refueled; received a release; and departed for IAD.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.