B737-700 flight crew reported encountering wake turbulence on arrival into PHX in trail of an A320 that resulted in the temporary loss of LNAV.
Synopsis
B737-700 flight crew reported encountering wake turbulence on arrival into PHX in trail of an A320 that resulted in the temporary loss of LNAV.
Narrative
We were descending on the BRUSR 1 arrival. We had an Airbus A320 approximately seven miles ahead of us. We encountered some wake turbulence from the A320 a few times while following him on the arrival. During the last encounter; our aircraft started to roll a bit quicker left and right due to the wake turbulence. I guarded the controls in case our aircraft rolled too far.We continued on the arrival; and I noticed we were slightly off course. I looked at the FMA and noticed the amber control wheel steering roll mode annunciated. Somehow the LNAV disengaged so I re-engaged it. I'm sure it happened as a result of the wake turbulence. The aircraft intercepted the course; and we continued on the arrival. I did not think we were off course by much or very long. We had multiple speed reductions assigned to us due to compression during this event. I think I lost some situational awareness while trying to get the aircraft slowed up while staying on path. One last thing is that we did have a decent tailwind on the arrival. That can increase the chance of this kind of hazard.
Second reporter narrative
Encountered wake turbulence on arrival. Due to wake turbulence; automation changed from LNAV/VNAV to VNAV/control wheel steering roll. Pilot flying controlled the aircraft. We discussed mode switch and reset desired mode once out of wake turbulence. Approach asked if we were off arrival; which we were not.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.