A321 Captain reported executing a go-around after encountering wake turbulence on short final at CLT.
Synopsis
A321 Captain reported executing a go-around after encountering wake turbulence on short final at CLT.
Narrative
On short approach to Runway 18R; I was the Pilot Flying. I'm unsure of the exact altitude and parameters of the event due to most of my attention outside; but sometime below 100 ft. AGL we encountered wake turbulence from the previous arrival aircraft.The wake was strong enough to cause a left rolling motion that was not effectively countered by near full right side stick input. At this moment; I did not feel like I had adequate roll control to continue the approach and was slightly out of a normal position to land so we immediately executed a go-around.The go-around was normal. The subsequent approach we also encountered some wake turbulence; but much less intense and a normal landing was made.I believe in both approaches we followed another A321 at around 3 to 3.5 miles. The weather conditions at the time seemed perfect for a wake encounter. A very light quartering tailwind was indicated on our ND around 300 ft. AGL.Optimal conditions for a wake turbulence encounter existed at the time. Very light or calm winds near the surface and just above the surface a light tailwind. I believe our response to the wake encounter was correct and well managed. Preventing the encounter all together would be ideal. I know many smart minds have studied wake and recommended spacing requirements from that data. Possibly some consideration to current weather conditions could make wake separation standards more dynamic.
NASA callback
Reporter stated he believes it should be possible to improve the procedure for anticipating wake encounters to help prevent similar incidents.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.