Medium Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 5; Flight Crew Total 4800; Flight Crew Type 30
Workload; Human-Machine Interface; Distraction
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation - Altitude Overshoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Unauthorized Flight Operations (UAS); Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors; Software and Automation
On the above mentioned date and time; I was the designated Pilot Flying. Descending through the Los Angeles area on vectors I was instructed to descend from 4;000 feet to 2;600 feet. I was overflying the city of Los Angeles on vectors to HHR. Autopilot was engaged; 2;600 feet was set in the altitude pre-selector and I began my descent. Another pilot reported to ATC that they flew past a drone off their right wing around 4;000 feet on approach into LAX. That would put the drone in our proximity off our right wing as well. Both the Pilot Monitoring (PM) and I were looking for that drone. I had mentioned to the PM that I have never been this low over the city of Los Angeles and we need to pay close attention to our surroundings. Through the distraction of trying to identify the drone; I descended through 2;600 feet to 2;400 feet before being advised of my altitude by ATC. I immediately disconnected the autopilot and corrected to the assigned altitude of 2;600 feet. No further issues occurred and no near misses were experienced to my knowledge. I was not informed by ATC of any possible pilot deviation nor given a contact number to call. Corrective action was taken to resolve the altitude discrepancy; and I have discussed with my crew and maintenance facility the possible reason why altitude was not captured by the autopilot. As Pilot in Command; I fully take responsibility for the actions on this day; both negative and corrective; and have discussed our safety procedures with my crew. I am filling out this report as I feel aviation is founded on safety and I strive to improve on every aspect of my piloting safety; skills and knowledge. Thank you for your time and consideration.
GA pilot reported overhearing a report of a UAS sighting in the area. The pilot focused on locating the UAS in relation to their aircraft and overshot their assigned altitude.