Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Maintenance Action
Procedure; Aircraft
At cruise altitude of FL280; Flight Crew noticed that the CA (Captain) side windshield was developing a crack. Flight Crew immediately notified ATC and requested a lower altitude and after careful evaluation; requested vectors to [an alternate airport]. Shortly after; the windshield shattered; now obstructing the CA's view. Flight Crew then accepted vectors to [the alternate].Visual scan by the Flight Crew of the cockpit and outside. First noticed brown crack along the top half of the windshield; along with some additional cracks toward the edges. Over the next few minutes; Flight Crew took note that these were possibly expanding; and were now developing air bubble-like patterns. Cause of the windshield fracture is unknown at this time.CA assumed PF (Pilot Flying) duties; and directed FO (First Officer) to notify Center of the situation and to request a lower altitude. Center cleared us down to lower altitude and shortly after cleared us to 10000 feet. Passing through FL200; a loud pop was heard by Flight Crew; and this was accompanied by the now shattered windshield. By this time; the decision was made to request radar vectors to nearest airport. Controls were once again transferred to the FO; and CA assumed monitoring duties; including setting up for an approach. Dispatch was notified via ACARS. FAs (Flight Attendants) were notified and briefed. Passengers were notified that flight was being diverted due to maintenance issue; and that more information would be available on the ground; once at the gate. Around this time; Flight Crew got a 'L WSHLD HEAT' caution message. CA ran appropriate QRH and message was extinguished. This message came on two more times prior to landing. Flight Crew was given vectors for a visual approach. Flight landed and safely taxied to assigned gate.
[Report narrative contained no additional information]
CRJ-900 flight crew reported diverting to an alternate airport after the Captain's side windshield shattered.