B737-800
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 338
Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
Climbing through FL350 enroute to ATL; we encountered suspected wake turbulence off a B747 10 miles ahead of us. We had momentary loss of control of the aircraft; banking in excess of 45 degrees to the right. Flight attendants were already taking drink orders and in the aisle when the encounter happened.Through the upset recovery process; the flight attendants laid on the floor and one of the flight attendants injured her knee in doing so. No diversion was needed and we continued onto ATL.We never saw that aircraft on TCAS until after the fact. And at 10 miles; we would have never thought of wake turbulence. But that being said; we might have the flight attendants stay seated until TOC (top of climb) when feasible.
Aircraft Y was in level flight en route to ATL at FL350. Aircraft X was climbing to FL390. Aircraft X asked what the a/c ten miles ahead was because they encountered moderate turbulence from it's wake. I advised it was a B747 Heavy. I asked if there were any injuries or damage to the a/c. He got back to me and initially said everyone was functional and the aircraft was okay; but he would keep me advised. Before switching the aircraft to sector 61; I asked again and he stated that it was almost a loss of control. I coordinated with 61 and told Aircraft X to change frequencies and advise if they needed any further assistance.In this situation; I think better awareness of the extent of wake turbulence behind a heavy aircraft for another aircraft climbing vs level flight.
B737 Captain and ZME Controller reported a wake turbulence encounter ten miles in trail of a B747 at FL350.