B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
During arrival just above 10;000 ft while slowing to 250 knots in a clean configuration we encountered two jolts and moderate rolling left and right followed by a third jolt and a significant left roll beyond 35 degrees (bank angle aural warning activated). The First Officer flying disconnected the autopilot and returned the aircraft to our course. I asked ATC what we were following and he replied 'A 747; 12 o'clock and 5 miles'. Heavy; clean and slow - the worst case scenario. The Approach Controller suggested an offset to avoid another such encounter which we gladly accepted. I made what I hope was a reassuring PA to the passengers and called back to check on the Flight Attendants. Although everyone was shook up; no injuries were reported as the seat belt sign was already on and the FAs were all seated at the time. Fortunately; I was just about to make the Prepare for Landing PA; in which case the FAs would have been walking through the cabin doing their compliance checks. After landing Dispatch sent an ACARS message saying that the TAPS (Turbulence Auto-PIREP System) system had recorded a severe turbulence event and to please call. I spoke with both Dispatch and Maintenance Control and wrote up the severe turbulence encounter in the logbook.I believe we were sequenced too close to the heavy 747 with no cautions given in advance. Provide more separation and advise crew when following close to a heavy and not just while on final.
B737 Captain reported encountering wake turbulence at 10;000 ft 5 miles in trail of a B747 on arrival into MIA.