Narrative:

During climb phase of flight; ca (captain) side windshield cracked at approximately 17;800 ft. I was the flying pilot. I stated; 'we need to get down.' first officer (first officer) immediately notified ATC of our situation and requested priority handling back to ZZZ. ATC assisted us with our request. We safely landed the aircraft without further damage and injuries to crew members or passengers. During this event; I did not comply with the company procedures of referring to QRH or transfer control to first officer since his windshield was intact. After informing ATC; we were immediately given multiple heading and altitude changes to descend and fly towards the airport. While first officer kept performing pilot monitoring duties; I kept flying. I was extremely concerned about further damage to the windshield and so began to slow down while descending and continued to descend. We were minutes away from the airport. By the time everything settled; we were on short final configuring to land. First officer and I had brief moment to discuss QRH. He quickly referred to the QRH but was not able to locate the procedure. Because of the phase of flight; I felt the safest option was to land and put the QRH away. Safety is my priority and I take full responsibility for my action. We remained calm; utilized CRM and comprehensive communication but failed to comply with company SOP. In the future; I will follow company procedure by referring to QRH.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: EMB-175 flight crew reported windshield cracking on the Captain's side mid-flight resulting in a return to departure airport.

Narrative: During climb phase of flight; CA (Captain) side windshield cracked at approximately 17;800 ft. I was the flying pilot. I stated; 'We need to get down.' FO (First Officer) immediately notified ATC of our situation and requested priority handling back to ZZZ. ATC assisted us with our request. We safely landed the aircraft without further damage and injuries to crew members or passengers. During this event; I did not comply with the company procedures of referring to QRH or transfer control to FO since his windshield was intact. After informing ATC; we were immediately given multiple heading and altitude changes to descend and fly towards the airport. While FO kept performing Pilot Monitoring duties; I kept flying. I was extremely concerned about further damage to the windshield and so began to slow down while descending and continued to descend. We were minutes away from the airport. By the time everything settled; we were on short final configuring to land. FO and I had brief moment to discuss QRH. He quickly referred to the QRH but was not able to locate the procedure. Because of the phase of flight; I felt the safest option was to land and put the QRH away. Safety is my priority and I take full responsibility for my action. We remained calm; utilized CRM and comprehensive communication but failed to comply with company SOP. In the future; I will follow company procedure by referring to QRH.

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.