EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Human Factors
While descending via the ZEEKK2 RNAV arrival we were cleared for the Runway 26L transition. Before reaching BOZZZ we were cleared for the ILS 26L [and] at that time the Captain set 3;000 feet on the altitude selector. He requested [that I] verify we were cleared for the approach. I called Approach to verify the clearance [and] Approach confirmed that we were cleared for the approach and to maintain current speed. About a minute later we were given a heading to fly and were asked if we saw the altitude at MKAYE. At this time we were around 5;000 feet [and] the Captain selected 4;000 as we were being vectored around to re-intercept the LOC for 26L. Shortly thereafter we were cleared for the visual approach 26L. Vertical deviation. Selecting 3;000 when cleared for the approach instead of flying the transition altitudes. When cleared for the approach always fly the transition altitude unless directed by Approach to do otherwise. Better communication between the pilot flying and pilot monitoring.
EMB-145 First officer reported an altitude deviation occurred on arrival into IAH when they descended below charted altitude on the ZEEKK2 RNAV arrival.