EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
As we sat with the parking brake set awaiting our gate; the lower windshield metal heat strip on the Captain's side had a bright spark that sent flames throughout the inside of the laminated glass in the windshield; instantly sending spider cracks throughout the entire windshield. The flames lasted around 1 to 2 seconds before extinguishing on their own. We immediately deselected windshield heat; and I asked our jumpseater to obtain the fire extinguisher and hold it ready. We ultimately agreed that CFR assistance was not necessary; but we placed appropriate frequencies in standby in case we needed to call for immediate assistance. After a brief discussion with Maintenance we agreed the problem was contained and since I was able to see out the windshield to we taxied to the gate without further event.
As they awaited their gate after arrival the flight crew of an ERJ-170 experienced a shorted windshield heat event that blazed momentarily and spider webbed the Captain's windshield.