A300
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
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 Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Weather
While flying at FL230; we began experiencing some moderate turbulence. The plane began an uncontrolled descent for 500 feet; and we reported it to ATC who then cleared us to FL220. The aircraft was controllable at FL220; but were still encountering moderate turbulence. We requested lower and were given FL210; and no more moderate turbulence was encountered. Turbulence in the flight levels was the primary causal factor. There was also active MOAs and crossing traffic that required us to stay higher. Upon getting the flight release I used my personal software of Foreflight to realize we were filed through a SIGMET for severe turbulence. We were then filed lower after talking with the Dispatcher. When talking to Center; they said there weren't any severe SIGMETS for our route of flight. I am not sure where the disconnect was; but I would suggest providing Dispatch the tools for greater awareness of flight through severe turbulence; as this was the second time in two days where we were filed through severe turbulence SIGMETS. Also; there were MOAs that we were being vectored over by one sector of Center; and then another sector said they were cold. This could have possibly been coordinated better to allow for lower altitude to stay out of turbulence.
A300 First Officer reported momentary loss of control during a moderate turbulence encounter at FL230.