B737-800 flight crew reported a wake turbulence encounter at FL320 in trail of a Widebody Transport that resulted in a steep bank and a 1;000 foot altitude deviation.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported a wake turbulence encounter at FL320 in trail of a Widebody Transport that resulted in a steep bank and a 1;000 foot altitude deviation.
Narrative
Leaving Denver; weather forecast indicated light to moderate turbulence during the climb surface to 15;500 ft. During the crew brief Captain advised the cabin crew to stay in their seats until we get out of turbulence. We were sequenced to take off after the Aircraft Y. The takeoff was uneventful. The light to moderate turbulence lasted until we reached 17;500 ft; after which the ride smoothed out and cabin crew were advised that they can get up and start their service. After reaching our final cruising altitude; FL320; approximately 20 min after the takeoff; between points BOBBA and TEHRU on BAYLR6 departure we encountered wake turbulence. Aircraft rolled to the left; autopilot disengaged; and aircraft lost approximately 1;000 ft. Pilot flying recovered; brought the aircraft back on the route and altitude; after which he reengaged the autopilot. Pilot Monitoring; meanwhile reported the event to the ATC and inquired if there is a heavy aircraft ahead. Controller confirmed that we were following the Aircraft Y. Less than 1 min later; the aircraft rolled to the right; again autopilot disengaged and we lost 1;000 ft. Pilot Monitoring called over PA: 'Flight Attendants; take your jump seats;' and reported the event to the ATC; with a request for a vector off the route to avoid any other encounters with the wake. Pilot Flying recovered the aircraft back on course and altitude and engaged the autopilot. ATC assigned a heading 20 degrees right of course to get away from the path of Aircraft Y. After stabilizing; Pilot Monitoring called over PA for Flight Attendants to check in. When checking in; Lead Flight Attendant advised Captain that a Flight Attendant hurt his elbow while he was in the forward lavatory during the wake turbulence event. Two passengers medical professionals helped him put his arm into a splint and stabilized it with a sling. Remainder of the flight was uneventful.
Second reporter narrative
After leveling off at FL320; we encountered wake from the airplane in front of us without significant effect on our aircraft. We checked with ATC to check who was in front of us; and we were advised that it was company B777 15 miles in front. Few seconds later we encountered a large wake; autopilot disconnected; left wing went down about 45 degrees; and nose went down at the same time. I initiated the recovery maneuver; recovered controlled flight after losing about 1;000 feet. We advised the ATC; and requested vectors away from the B777; and we were provided a right vector. We climbed back to assigned altitude; and after a few minutes on the vector; we proceeded on course; without any further incidents. Flight Attendant injured his arm during the incident.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.