2010-11 · NASA ASRS report 917857
A CRJ700 crew failed to begin a descent to make a previously issued altitude constraint until reminded by ATC because they became distracted by the disintegration of the First Officer's watch.
ATC advised that this was not a problem but we have decided to report this anyway. We were issued a 'pre' clearance to cross at the intersection at FL240. In other words; this clearance came a long time before we needed to descend. We had planned on descending at around 1;500 FPM; but just as we got to that point; the flying pilots watch fell apart into several pieces causing a distraction at the exact moment we planned on descending. We both missed our descent until ATC called just as we were nearing the intersection. We immediately descended from FL290 to FL240 within 3-5 miles past the intersection. Again; the Controller said there was no problem and to 'NOT WORRY ABOUT IT'. With almost 27;000 hours of flight time this is actually my first time with an incident like this. Situational awareness was not properly maintained by myself; the pilot in command. A pilot's watch coming apart should NEVER distract a pilot from their flight duties; period. We were fortunate that no conflict occurred and that it was most likely a descent for a Center airspace change than for traffic. There were NO TCAS targets on our screen at the time. DON'T GET DISTRACTED BY THE LITTLE STUFF. HEADS UP. That's why there are two of us up there. When both pilots are distracted by something; nobody is flying the plane. Remember [an air carrier] going down in the Everglades because all 3 crew members were dealing with a burned out gear position bulb. Remember.....I have the controls.....you have the controls. We do that for a very good reason. I let myself down and let my crew member down by not complying with that simple mantra.
Since we were nearing the arrival and approach phase of the flight I started getting the 5 pages required for the arrival; approach; and taxi; out of my chart binder. While doing this a small part of my watch popped off. I took what I thought was a brief moment to find it before it was lost. During the time it took to get the multiple charts out and the watch issue; the aircraft came within a short distance from the fix; which we were assigned to cross at FL240. ATC queried us and immediately we recognized my error and an immediate descent was initiated. We leveled at FL240 shortly after the fix (exact distance unknown). I was the pilot flying. At cruise altitude FL290; we were issued a crossing altitude approximately 10 minutes from the top of descent (TOD) point. ATC queried us and immediately we recognized my error and an immediate descent was initiated. We leveled at FL240 shortly after the fix (exact distance unknown). This is the first time I have encountered this type of pilot induced situation in my 22 years of flying. This was caused simply by loss of situational awareness. Through the years; I developed a personal technique to hold a pen in my left hand; which is not normal since I am right handed; to remind me I have something to do; i.e. a delayed descent; etc. and I don't put it down until that task is accomplished. Unfortunately; this technique failed when I subconsciously set it down when I was getting my charts out and my watch broke. I recognize as an experienced pilot; that you must always remain cognizant of the flight and not allow an 'abnormal' situation to take away your situational awareness. This situation is a very good reminder of how quick situational awareness can be lost over something very simple and unimportant to the safety of the flight. Very fortunately in this case; no traffic conflict occurred and through the courtesy of the Controller; I can chalk this up to a lesson well learned. I will hold that pen tighter next time.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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