B737-300
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 305
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Weather
Encountered severe turbulence approximately 50 NM east of BETHL at FL320 that caused loss of aircraft control for approximately five to ten seconds. At the time of the event; there were no reports of turbulence in the area. The aircraft started vibrating and then went into a violent wing roll to the right and then to the left.  The autopilot was disconnected and control of the aircraft was regained. When control was regained; the aircraft had lost about 600 feet of altitude. A severe turbulence encounter was reported to ATC. ATC asked us if we were 'declaring an emergency'; our response was no since we had recovered control of the aircraft. ATC informed us that there had been an 'altitude deviation' and that a report would be filed. I checked with the Flight Attendant who reported that everybody was okay and there were no injuries. The flight continued to landing without further events.
B737 Captain reports a severe turbulence encounter at FL320 resulting in a 600 foot altitude loss.