Medium Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Workload
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Weather
In cruise at FL330; we experienced severe turbulence for about 20-30 seconds. We gained 700 feet of altitude and lost 40 knots. The auto throttles and the autopilot disengaged uncommanded; and the aircraft was uncontrollable. We leveled off at FL340 and continued the flight; which was fine with ATC. ATC did not give us a phone number to call; nor did he seem to be concerned with our altitude deviation. I informed ATC about the turbulence; and to not send another airplane through the area if possible. The lead flight attendant informed me that one of our other flight attendants bumped her head; but she did not need medical attention. After we landed [at destination]; this flight attendant decided to seek medical attention the next day. The flight attendants went row by row to ensure passengers were okay; and no passenger injuries were discovered. We landed [at destination] and I made an entry in the aircraft maintenance log for a severe turbulence encounter.
Air carrier Captain describes a severe turbulence event where the aircraft gained 700 feet and lost 40 knots of airspeed. No injuries initially reported; however one of the flight attendants; who bumped her head in the turbulence; did seek medical attention after landing at the destination.