Pct controller described ELDEE4 STAR altitude failure event; noting multiple pilot deviations using ...

Attributes
ACN	836468
Time
Date	200905
Local Time Of Day	0601-1200
Place
Locale Reference	DCA.Airport
State Reference	DC
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Initial Approach
Route In Use	STAR ELDEE4
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Approach
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Experience	Air Traffic Control Radar 18
Events
Anomaly	Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met Deviation - Procedural Clearance Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

Narrative:

While I was working the luray sector I cleared the aircraft to 'descend via the ELDEE4 arrival.' instead of crossing the revue waypoint at 15;000 ft according to the ELDEE4 STAR the aircraft crossed revue at 14;300 ft. This is yet another pilot deviation where altitude restrictions are violated on the ELDEE4 arrival procedure to dca. It is incredible that the FAA allows the ELDEE4 STAR to be used. The ELDEE4 STAR is a procedure that will contribute to an accident...it's only a matter of time. The FAA is well aware of the numerous pilot deviations by pilots using the ELDEE4 STAR. The solution is simple: stop controllers from issuing the 'descend via' command on the ELDEE4 STAR.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: PCT Controller described ELDEE4 STAR altitude failure event; noting multiple pilot deviations using this procedure and suggesting utilization of the 'descend via' phraseology as a causal factor.

Narrative: While I was working the LURAY Sector I cleared the aircraft to 'descend via the ELDEE4 Arrival.' Instead of crossing the REVUE waypoint at 15;000 FT according to the ELDEE4 STAR the aircraft crossed REVUE at 14;300 FT. This is yet another pilot deviation where altitude restrictions are violated on the ELDEE4 Arrival Procedure to DCA. It is incredible that the FAA allows the ELDEE4 STAR to be used. The ELDEE4 STAR is a procedure that will contribute to an accident...it's only a matter of time. The FAA is well aware of the numerous pilot deviations by pilots using the ELDEE4 STAR. The solution is simple: STOP CONTROLLERS FROM ISSUING THE 'DESCEND VIA' COMMAND ON THE ELDEE4 STAR.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.

Pct controller described ELDEE4 STAR altitude failure event; noting multiple pilot deviations using this procedure and suggesting utilization of the 'descend via' phraseology as a causal factor.