Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Workload; Situational Awareness; Physiological - Other; Confusion; Troubleshooting
Deviation - Altitude Undershoot; Deviation - Speed All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Weather; Human Factors
Shortly after takeoff we were given an assigned heading of 360 (approximately a 160 degree left turn). The weather was inclement at the time of departure and we almost immediately entered IMC. The Captain called for climb sequence at which point I retracted flaps on schedule. ATC then assigned 16;000 ft. and a heading of 010; if needed; to avoid weather. As I was adjusting the FCP (Flight Control Panel) to 16;000 ft. and a heading of 010; the Captain called out; 'What's going on?' as he was hand-flying. I focused my scan back to the PFD which indicated we were at a level pitch attitude with increasing airspeed and decreasing altitude at approximately 2;300 ft. MSL. We lost approximately 500 ft. (1;800 ft. MSL) and gained approximately 90 kts. at which point the Captain reduced power and pitched back to regain altitude and airspeed control. At the time the event occurred; we reached approximately 290 kts. at an altitude of approximately 1;800 to 1;900 ft. MSL. The rest of the flight resumed as normal.There were several factors that may have contributed to this event: Departure into inclement IMC; moderate turbulence; moderate precipitation; task saturation; and high workload environment. The Captain also indicated he may have been momentarily distracted by the onboard weather depiction radar.Engaging the autopilot immediately after takeoff may have helped reduce pilot workload between the Pilot Flying and Pilot Monitoring.
CRJ flight crew reported inclement weather an turbulence on departure; causing spatial disorientation.