EMB-145 flight crew reported encountering wake turbulence on approach to CLT in trail of an A321 that resulted in an aggressive roll exceeding 45 degrees of bank angle.
Synopsis
EMB-145 flight crew reported encountering wake turbulence on approach to CLT in trail of an A321 that resulted in an aggressive roll exceeding 45 degrees of bank angle.
Narrative
While flying a visual approach to Runway 36L in Charlotte we encountered wake turbulence from the aircraft in front of us. Aircraft Y had started the approach at a higher altitude and further distance from our position and had been sequenced in front of us. Between LONIA and CUNUK our aircraft started an uncommanded roll to the right about 20 degrees. It then settled for a second and then started an extremely aggressive roll to the right exceeding 30 degrees. I immediately disconnected the autopilot and leveled the wings. We did not see the exact angle the aircraft rolled to but we estimate it might have exceeded 45 degrees before we recovered. After leveling the aircraft I established the aircraft on the localizer above glide slope. We then contacted ATC to let them know and request a slower speed. We continued the approach and made a successful landing. I also had the First Officer call the Flight Attendant to make sure they and the passengers were ok.Aircraft flying a higher profile need to be sequenced behind lower aircraft to prevent this issue. Also I could have flown upwind of course or above glideslope to prevent this. Disconnecting the autopilot at the first sign of it may have helped as well.
Second reporter narrative
We were flying a visual approach to [Runway] 36L in CLT and encountered wake turbulence from Aircraft Y ahead of us. Aircraft Y had been started their approach at a higher altitude and farther out than we were but were sequenced in front of us. Between LONIA and CUNUK our aircraft began a relatively gentle uncommanded roll to the right roughly 20 degrees; seemed to settle and then aggressively rolled further to the right. The Captain immediately disconnected the autopilot and I assisted in leveling the wings. We estimated the roll had exceeded 45 degrees and took some effort to counteract the roll forces to the right. The Captain asked that I report the wake turbulence encounter and ask for a slower approach speed to increase separation from the preceding aircraft. The Captain further mitigated any possible additional wake turbulence activity by establishing the aircraft slightly above glide slope. The Captain requested I call the Flight Attendant to make sure all the passengers were ok and we made a safe and successful landing.Proper sequencing of lower aircraft in front of higher aircraft and better spacing might have helped. We could have asked to extend downwind slightly and flown a higher glide slope in anticipation of wake turbulence.
NASA callback
Reporter stated he was surprised at the intensity of the roll.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.