Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Deviation - Speed All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Aircraft; Human Factors
While climbing above 10;000; but before reaching FL180; airspeed dropped below 250 KIAS. The airspeed was corrected well before any warning devices were triggered and airspeed remained above 220 KIAS. I noticed the low airspeed immediately after returning my attention to the PFD.The root cause was allowing myself to perform another task while climbing in vertical speed mode. I knew I would have to select other autopilot inputs in a short period of time to keep the airspeed from dropping below 250 KIAS; but I underestimated the rate of decay and it got away from me while I turned my attention elsewhere in the flight deck.Always pay strict attention to the airspeed while climbing in vertical speed mode. If it becomes necessary to switch to another task while climbing; use a less aggressive climb mode such as speed or pitch mode.
CRJ200 Captain reported climbing above 10000 feet with the autopilot engaged in vertical speed mode. When the PFD is checked the airspeed is approaching 220 knots.