2024-09 · NASA ASRS report 2170141
B737 flight crew reported temporary loss of aircraft control due to encountering severe turbulence resulted in momentary overspeed and overbank. Flight crew regained control and continued to destination.
After leveling up at FL 330; the rides were fine; so I released the passengers; the FO made the announcements about the turn of the seat belt sign and recommended keeping the seat belt in case of impervious turbulence. The radar didn't show anything; and neither of the weather apps showed turbulence reported. The FAs were serving the passengers when I saw a couple of lines on the radar; I called the FO to request the right deviation; and the FO requested. When ATC answered; I was turning when I felt the intense movements and bank for almost 40 degrees to the right. Then I heard an overspeed clacker; and I disconnected the auto throttle while correcting the position and leveling the wing; I asked the FO to call the FAs; and the FO made the announcement; I didn't hear what he said but later; he confirmed 'FA take your jump seats' no more aggressive movements after that; everything was in calm. There was no more turbulence; we confirmed the instruments; the speed; and autothrotles and continued on route. The navigation was OK; and the airplane was in control; an FA called me; and I was worried for them; so I answered and asked if everybody was fine. Person A answered me and confirmed the FA were fine; but two of them continued on the floor; I checked the rides; and it was smooth; so I cleared the FA to move. FA1 and FA2 were on the phone.I didn't announce the 'FA check-in.' My bad; the standard call; but FA1 and FA2 called the other FAs to start to move. After that; no turbulence for almost 2 hours. I talked with the dispatcher; and he reported to Chief Pilot; I did the ELB entry about severe turbulence and overspeed. I debriefed during the flight the situation with the Purser. I explained to her the conditions during the turbulence and showed no indications on our tolls (radar; apps) to avoid that impervious turbulence. After landing; We waited until the passengers deplaned the aircraft to verify all the passengers and talk with the other FAs.
I was pilot monitoring and while enroute; we encountered severe turbulence associated with an unexpected weather cell. The weather radar was turned on and operating; however no weather was observed on my side (First Officer MFD). At the time of the occurrence; the flight was in radar contact with ZZZZ Control. The Captain who was pilot flying brought the sudden weather change to my attention. We asked for immediate right deviation; however the flight was not able to avoid the weather. As the captain turned on the fasten seat belt sign and returned to flying the aircraft; I the First Officer made the communications to the cabin to take their jump seats but was unable to complete the phrase immediately" as the aircraft had hit the turbulence at the exact same time. During the attempt to avoid the weather with right deviation; the overspeed warning clacker was heard. I observed an indicated airspeed of 296 KIAS. The encounter lasted about 35 seconds. There was no weather app information on weather in the area. The other app also did not show any reported turbulence. Even after passage; the app did not report any activity from our encounter."
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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