Light Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Physiological - Other; Time Pressure; Workload
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Procedure; Weather
Departing Charlotte [to the north] on the SADIE transition climbing to 14;000 FT in visual conditions I could see the weather building; and asked what the plan was. The Controller acknowledged on that heading for 5 miles then a turn. The frequency was busy. I tried to tell the Controller that would not work; request a heading of 30 degrees to the left and go around the weather. The reply was 'that is what the jets are doing'. I looked at the TCAS; No aircraft at all. I then called back and requested a turn. No answer at all no one on the frequency. I then told my First Officer; 'My aircraft slow to 190 KTS'. Tried minor deviations through the weather. Immediately penetrating the weather a violent downdraft was encountered. Systems lost were both AHRS's and yaw damper which also resulted in loss of control. As I am trying to regain control of the aircraft the Controller comes on the frequency; and says you can turn. I return with; 'We need present heading and a block altitude'.After regaining control of the aircraft I managed to get all the systems back. I then called the Flight Attendant to check on her and the passengers; she says everyone appears fine; and she is OK. I then called Dispatch; talked to Maintenance Control and told them of the event encountered. They made the decision to return to Charlotte which we did without incident.  When we arrived in Charlotte the Fight Attendant told me two passengers reported they hit there heads; both said they were fine.
An air carrier encountered severe turbulence in thunderstorms departing CLT on the SADIE transition after the Captain requested deviations which ATC did not permit in a timely manner. The crew returned to CLT where the flight was canceled.