CRJ-200 Captain reported encountering wake turbulence on approach to DTW in trail of an A350.
Synopsis
CRJ-200 Captain reported encountering wake turbulence on approach to DTW in trail of an A350.
Narrative
We were operating to Detroit. The flight was operated normally and uneventfully until our downwind to base turn in the approach phase. During the downwind; we were advised that we were following a heavy A350 on a visual approach to 3R. We were assigned by Detroit Approach to descend to 4;000 ft.; maintain a speed of 190 kts. and fly a heading to turn base. During our descent and turn; we encountered an excessive rate (25-30 degrees) of roll to the left (back towards the downwind) and pitch (approximately +10 degrees) from the wake of the A350.The First Officer (Pilot Flying) and I (Pilot Monitoring) simultaneously disconnected the autopilot. The First Officer properly responded by arresting the rate of roll; pitch and decrease in speed in accordance with the CFM. We had gained approximately 600 ft. from the wake turbulence and stabilized the aircraft on a downwind heading at 5;000 ft. and speed of 190 kts. I advised ATC of the wake turbulence upset and what we were doing to stabilize the aircraft. They acknowledged us and once we were stable; I queried ATC about being cleared to resume our descent to 4;000 ft. ATC re-cleared us to 4;000 ft.; and we proceeded inbound and landed without further issue.The wake turbulence of the A350 had created an excessive roll rate (25-30 degrees) back towards the downwind and a positive pitch (approximately 10 degrees) and a negative speed trend. As we turned our base; we encountered the roll back towards the opposite direction and then recovered on the downwind leg and had a slight climb from the positive pitch.
NASA callback
Reporter stated he would be better prepared to go around if presented with a similar encounter in the future.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.