When an initial frame alignment during decoding of multi-frame data segments fails a cyclic parity check, a portion of the received data is retained and reused for a second decode attempt using a different frame alignment. For BCH data transmitted within a WCDMA system, the second of two frames received and failing a parity check on decode is retained and coupled with a third received frame for a second decode attempt. When incorrect frame alignment is the cause of failure of the first decode attempt, the correct frame alignment should be achieved using the second and third received frames. Recovery from initial incorrect frame alignment is thus quicker than systems discarding all data from the first decode attempt.