Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
We were given descent from 12;000 feet to 4;000 feet. As we approached 9;700 feet; ATC amended the altitude to 7;000 feet for traffic. A minute later they advised us of traffic climbing to 6;500 feet VFR. At this point we were still at about 9;000 feet and descending. The TCAS popped up and an unknown traffic was spotted approaching us; we could not locate it; and it was not the traffic ATC advised us of. Moments before the RA; ATC advised us of unknown traffic approaching us and to turn to a right heading of 310 as we were currently on a west heading of 270. As ATC was talking TCAS yelled 'traffic traffic' as we were in the right turn. The First Officer immediately disengaged autopilot and continued turning right; added max thrust and began climbing. I caught the traffic on TCAS as close as 300 feet and approaching and we were at about 8;500 feet and descending. After we were clear of conflict we were told to descend to 4;000 feet on heading 270 and continue for Visual [Runway] 13. At this point I refused any visual responsibility and requested the ILS. The aircraft was way; way; way too close! Way too close!
Air carrier Captain reported an NMAC with a VFR aircraft on descent into CRP.