B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 435
Situational Awareness
Deviation - Altitude Overshoot; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Human Factors; Weather
Climbing out of DEN westbound over the RLG VORTAC; our aircraft was cleared to climb to FL 320. At approximately FL 290; we encountered an area of turbulence in the moderate range that continued to increase in intensity. At approximately FL310; we entered severe turbulence associated with severe mountain wave. I disconnected the autopilot and autothrottle system in an attempt to control the aircraft from exceeding airspeed and altitude constraints.The aircraft continued to climb uncontrollably to approximately FL330. We informed ATC of the event and requested a block altitude and descended back to FL320. The event lasted approximately one minute before the turbulence subsided to the light-to-moderate range. All passengers and flight attendants were seated and no injuries were reported. We continued to our final destination with no further aircraft systems or weather related problems.
On climbout; we were cleared to climb to FL320. ATC reported continuous light; occasional moderate turbulence through 340. These reports matched the [weather program] and Dispatch paperwork. The Captain had the flight attendants sit down and made an announcement to the passengers acknowledging the potential for turbulence and instructing them to remain seated with their seat belts fastened. As we were passing through 310; the aircraft encountered severe turbulence/mountain wave turbulence involving +/- 15 knot airspeed changes and violent attitude changes. Upon reaching FL320; the Captain turned off the autopilot and autothrottle and attempted to level the aircraft. Despite his best efforts; due to the turbulence; the aircraft continued to climb up to 330. Upon reaching 330; the Captain notified ATC of the deviation; requested a block altitude; and began a descent back to 320. He also informed ATC that we encountered severe turbulence over RLG at 320. The event lasted about one minute. Shortly thereafter; another aircraft made the same report within the same vicinity. The severe turbulence was short lived; and we continued the flight without further incident.
B737 flight crew reported encountering severe turbulence on climbout.