Narrative:

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 first officer (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 first officer; 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 'left 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.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: CRJ-900 flight crew reported diverting to an alternate airport after the Captain's side windshield shattered.

Narrative: 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.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.