CRJ700 Flight Crew experiences a down draft at FL360 from a nearby thunderstorm and is unable to maintain altitude or airspeed at maximum power. ATC is unable to give clearance lower due to traffic (emergency not declared) and descent is eventually arrested at FL354.
Synopsis
CRJ700 Flight Crew experiences a down draft at FL360 from a nearby thunderstorm and is unable to maintain altitude or airspeed at maximum power. ATC is unable to give clearance lower due to traffic (emergency not declared) and descent is eventually arrested at FL354.
Narrative
In cruise at FL360; deviating around a thunderstorm; we were cruising at 240 kts (mach .72). We suddenly lost airspeed and increased power to TOGA power. No change in airspeed was observed with power increase. We then went to MAX power; and aircraft was still slowing. Autopilot was disengaged by Captain and we were able to hold the airspeed just above the 'stall barber pole.' However; we were unable to maintain altitude. We notified ATC of our situation and [advised] them of the need to descend. ATC initially denied request to descend; stating there was opposite direction traffic 1;000 feet below us. I demanded lower altitude a second time; ATC still insisted we stay at 36;000 and we were able to arrest the decent at 35;400ft. At 35;400ft; we were able to regain some airspeed and return to 36;000ft while performing the wind sheer escape maneuver. We were never able to increase airspeed at 36;000ft and still needed lower altitude. At this time; ATC gave us a 30 degree turn and a descent to 35;000ft. Upon descent to 35;000ft; airspeed started to increase and the event was over. We had no indication of possible windshear when we experience the downdraft/windshear. The flight was smooth and continued without event.
Second reporter narrative
Windshear/downdraft from a thunderstorm (even though we were 20 miles from the cell) caused a loss of airspeed. The entire event lasted about 2 minutes at the most; but felt like it lasted 10-15 minutes.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.