B757-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 23000
Time Pressure; Distraction; Confusion
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Speed All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew FLC Overrode Automation; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Weather
Encountered strong moderate turbulence associated with smaller thunderstorm activity over the Caribbean. With autopilot on; aircraft descended approximately 300 FT below FL350 with rapidly increasing airspeed. Disconnected autopilot and autothrottles and returned to FL350. Reengaged autopilot. Called cabin to check for possible injuries. None. Reported altitude deviation to Center. Center reported no deviation shown. Reported turbulence to Dispatch. Proceeded to destination uneventfully.Although already cleared and executing deviation for weather around lighter returns; a wider deviation may have prevented occurrence.
[Narrative #2 contains no additional information].
A B757-200 lost 300 FT at FL350 following after encountering strong moderate turbulence near a building thunderstorm which the crew attempted to avoid over the Caribbean.