SR22
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 21; Flight Crew Total 1120; Flight Crew Type 787
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Airspace Structure
I was traveling direct and under ATC. I was descending from 7000 feet to 4000 feet in IMC to avoid weather buildups. During the descent ATC contacted and I understood told me to turn west to 290 degrees. I started the turn and the controller continued to say turn but they were very excited; repeating the instruction. I kept reporting back that I was turning 290. I began and completed my turn to 290 as I was descending to 4000 feet. I thought that I understood their instructions correctly as I was just west of Class 'B' airspace and it made sense to me to turn away from it. If there was any aircraft near it did not show up on my TCAS so it would have been a few miles away and not in direct conflict. I later found out the controller was saying turn left to 090. The 'to' caused me to understand 290. I did not hear the '0'. The controller was very busy and hard to understand; was very excited and talked very fast.
GA pilot reported turning to the incorrect heading due to misunderstanding ATC instructions.