Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Distraction; Troubleshooting; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Aircraft
While in cruise phase at 35;000 feet the Captain who was the Pilot Monitoring at the time noticed a small crack in the left windshield. Upon recognizing the situation the Captain immediately took the aircraft controls; instructed me; now the Pilot Monitoring; to advise ATC that we are executing a descent. I complied with the Captain's instructions and we told ATC that we were descending to 10;000 feet and diverting to ZZZ which was approximately 40 miles away at the time. At this time the Captain continued to fly and talk to ATC while I called operations at ZZZ to let them know we were coming. After this we set up for the ILS XXL to back up the visual since the weather was VMC at ZZZ. We executed all normal checklists and the Captain executed an uneventful approach and landing. We taxied into the ramp and the Captain shutdown and inspected the exterior in the vicinity of the window and passenger door on the left hand side to ensure it was safe to deplane. ZZZ fire rescue also confirmed that we required no further assistance. Passengers were deplaned and aircraft was secured. Cause unknown. Suspected micro crack and heat/cool cycles.
CRJ-900 First Officer reported the windshield cracked while in level cruise.