CRJ-900 flight crew reported encountering wake turbulence in cruise flight at FL320 from a preceding Airbus that caused multiple rolls in both directions.
Synopsis
CRJ-900 flight crew reported encountering wake turbulence in cruise flight at FL320 from a preceding Airbus that caused multiple rolls in both directions.
Narrative
Upon leveling off at FL320 encountered moderate wake turbulence. Autopilot was engaged; and the plane rolled to either side multiple times up to 20 degrees of bank. Both pilots guarded the controls; but a decision was made to disconnect AP (Autopilot) and start a descent to arrest the effects of wake turbulence. I; CA-PM; requested controls from FO-PF and started a descent to FL310 while the FO called Center to advise them of our encounter and descent. Leveled off at FL310 per ATC request. We remained there until the aircraft was 10 miles ahead; and then climbed back up to FL320 per ATC clearance. Cause: Aircraft Y in front of us was asked to climb at M.78 to FL340. Originally; we were cleared to climb to FL340; but it was amended to FL320 as we were out climbing them. We were assigned M.75 for spacing. Upon leveling at FL320; we encountered moderate wake turbulence during which the aircraft banked constantly left to right; up to 20 degrees. It was not momentary; and as a result we disconnected AP and started a descent. When we were able to contact ATC; they assigned FL310. Eventually we returned to FL320 and requested that as our final altitude. Suggestions: In the future; we could note that we were within 10 miles and at close altitudes; and could ask for an offset or level off sooner.
Second reporter narrative
Encountered moderate wake turbulence while in cruise flight at Flight Level 320. Autopilot was initially left engaged while aircraft was being rolled in excess of 20 degrees. Both pilots guarded controls while AP (Autopilot) was trying to counter bank movements but was not correcting at a satisfactory rate. AP was disconnected and the Captain requested controls and initiated a descent to try to escape the effects of the wake turbulence. FO advised ATC of aircraft's descent and we leveled off at FL310 per ATC instructions. After aircraft in front of us has 10 miles of spacing ATC cleared us back up to our filed altitude of FL320.Cause: In trail of Aircraft Y that was along same route. During our climb [the Airbus] was cleared up to FL340 with a speed restriction of Mach.78 or greater while we were cleared up to FL320 and limited to Mach .75 for spacing. After leveling at FL320 we encounter moderate wake turbulence causing the aircraft to roll in excess of 20 degrees of bank. Autopilot was initially left on until it was not satisfactorily countering the wake turbulence. AP was disconnected and a descent was initiated to FL310. Lack of proper spacing caused wake turbulence encounter.Suggestions: In future would be more vigilant of being in trail of aircraft at similar altitudes. Could ask for greater spacing or offset our course.
NASA callback
Reporter stated they were surprised at the intensity of the wake given the distance of the lead aircraft.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.