ZDC Controller described a failed crossing restriction event noting possible flawed FMS programming.

Date: 2011-07 · Aircraft: B737-500 · Phase: descent

Anomalies: deviation-altitude-crossing-restriction-not-met|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-clearance

Synopsis

ZDC Controller described a failed crossing restriction event noting possible flawed FMS programming.

Narrative

A B737 was given a clearance to cross BUZZY at and maintain 11;000 and the clearance was read back correctly. I noticed the pilot had not started down 5 miles south of SDZ; so I confirmed the clearance to cross BUZZY at and maintain 11;000; the pilot read back; 'Yes; we'll cross BUZZY at and maintain 11;000.' RDU had the hand off and since our SOP requires us to switch the aircraft before BUZZY; I switched the aircraft to RDU Approach. The B737 was observed crossing BUZZY at 14;500 descending. The RDU Controller asked the pilot and the pilot said the last controller (me) gave them the restriction too late and he was unable to make the restriction. I gave him the restriction crossing 2.5 miles north of the J71 (Jacksonville Center FLO sector) boundary and confirmed the clearance 5 south of SDZ. The pilot stayed level at FL210 at least 5 miles after the clearance confirmation south of SDZ. Recommendation; someone needs to change the restriction on the RDU arrivals from the south. Both arrivals from the south clearly are labeled cross BUZZY at or above 11;000; we never do that. The airline FMS's are not being changed and the pilots are not flying their planes because they see the approach and assume their FMS is correct. I hope the pilots are getting turned in for deviations to get the problem fixed because I don't feel like reports will.

Second reporter narrative

I looked at first page of weather package. It referenced the RASKL Arrival. FMC and Commercial Chart shows BUZZY at or above 11;000 FT. I made mental note to delete upon arrival. I do not believe I mentioned it to my copilot. Thunderstorms almost the entire route of flight with multiple deviations. Received BUZZY when able took clearance and got descent to cross at 11;000 FT. Entered all except forgot to delete BUZZY at or above 11;000 FT. It was my complete mistake. I missed the restriction. There was no traffic we could see on TCAS within 15 miles either above or below. ATC handed us off to RDU Approach. They asked on initial contact if we received clearance late; which we said we did. RDU Approach issued us to fly the arrival but to maintain 11;000 FT and normal speed. A bit saturated on arrival but all of the weather (thunderstorms) was behind us. I don't know what I did or how it happened. I never felt overworked or out of my green zone. I simply made a mistake.

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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.