An A319 received moderated wake turbulence one minute after passing three to five miles behind and 100 feet below a B747's altitude.

2009-10 · NASA ASRS report 854831

Date: 2009-10 · Aircraft: A319

Anomalies: inflight-event-encounter-wake-vortex-encounter

Synopsis

An A319 received moderated wake turbulence one minute after passing three to five miles behind and 100 feet below a B747's altitude.

Narrative

While in cruise at FL290; .79 Mach (per ATC request); we were informed of traffic at 12 o'clock; 10 miles; opposite direction; heavy 747 at FL300. We soon saw the traffic; and reported it in sight. It was clear that the traffic was going to pass by the left side of our aircraft by an estimated 3-5 miles; 100 feet above us. About one minute after the aircraft passed; we encountered the 747's wake. It was a pretty violent maybe two second shot of moderate turbulence; followed by smooth air again. Had it lasted longer; I'm sure it would have evolved into severe turbulence; but it was over almost before it began. As soon as I could; I called the flight attendants to check on their well being. All three of them reported that they had been standing up in the rear galley; had come off the floor; and landed again; on their feet. The purser reported a scraped wrist; and another Flight Attendant reported she had bumped her head on a coffee maker. None requested medical attention. We reported the wake encounter to ATC. After landing; I called Maintenance to discuss the incident; and we both agreed that no aircraft parameters were exceeded; and no further action was required.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.

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