Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Environment - Non Weather Related
While on descent at approximately 12;000 FT at 300 KTS (as assigned by ATC) we encountered turbulence resulting in a right and left roll of the aircraft. After slowing to 250 KTS and at approximately 10;000 FT we encountered a violent roll to the right followed by a violent roll to the left; with nose and up and down variations. The autopilot was disengaged and the aircraft was recovered to normal flight. We informed ATC of the incident. The First Officer noticed an aircraft at our 12 position descending along our path. I queried ATC of the aircraft type and was informed it was a heavy A300. We concluded that we had encountered wake turbulence. The First Officer noted bank angles in excess of 45 degrees. Although shaken; the passengers all indicated that they were ok and not in need of medical attention. The First Officer and I both indicated soreness in our necks but did not seek medical attention.
CRJ Captain reported wake vortex encounter in trail of an A300 on approach to SDF that caused violent roll left and right.