Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Aircraft; Human Factors; Weather
On initial climb out from DCA Runway 1; First Officer made initial turn to follow the river. Engaged the autopilot to intercept the DOCTR2 RNAV course from the West. AP turned sharply to intercept and did not capture. Immediately disengaged AP and turned back towards the northwest. East bank of the river remained in view the whole time and we do not believe we crossed it. Winds at the time were approximately 330/11G19. FO hand flew plane until AP was transferred to CA side and recaptured course. FMS 2 was deferred; but 900 MEL does not preclude RNAV procedures as the 200 MEL does. CA was in white needles with FO in yellow (cross-side data) with MFD map data available and FMS 1 on the annunciator.Add an operational note to 900 MEL 34-61-1A that AP should only be coupled to non-deferred FMS side. Also; DCA DOCTR2 RNAV should be assigned cautiously with a strong west winds because of equipment limitations.
[Report Narrative Contained No Additional Information].
CRJ-900 flight crew reported they deviated from their assigned RNAV departure when the aircraft failed to track the course.