A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
[While] descending (autopilot on) [and] proceeding directly to PENNY fix on the final approach for Runway 17C at DFW international airport; we experienced a momentary aircraft upset; probably from wake turbulence that I believe [was] generated by the leading aircraft ahead. We were approximately seven miles from the leading aircraft that; unknown to us at the time; was [an] MD-11. As I noticed the rate of closure was increasing - aircraft separation was decreasing. I started slowing down the aircraft and almost at the same time our aircraft experienced an uncommanded 30 degree roll to the left in conjunction with 8-12 degree nose-down immediately after the aircraft rolled through wings level to 45 degree right bank angle. The aircraft also experienced an altitude loss of 300-400 FT in seconds causing high sink rates of up to 4;500 FPM. I immediately disconnected the autopilot and gracefully gained control of the aircraft without allowing the event to exceed any aircraft limitations or causing deviations. During this unexpected event; I tried my best to reduce the loading on the wings. [This was] an event that I was well prepared for; given that I just came out of my bi-annual simulator training and practiced a perfectly replicate of this event; which in turn laid the foundation to a successful outcome by giving me the tools to [recover] from this unwelcome risk. After all; training is the bone on which pilots sharpen their teeth. This event served as a constant reminder of how much gravity [is] resting on pilot knowledge and training. It demonstrated that an investment in pilot training and knowledge pays the best interest.
A320 Captain reported encountering wake turbulence in trail of an MD-11 on approach to DFW resulting in a 45 degree bank and 8-12 degrees nose down attitude.