B737-800
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 519; Flight Crew Type 12000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Weather
Cruising at FL360 over northwest FL; we hit severe turbulence. Airspeed was uncontrollable; altitude uncontrollable; and autopilot kicked off. Gained over 300 ft. and lost over 600 ft. before autopilot kicked off. Airspeed all the way up to redline then all the way down close to stall. We gained control of the aircraft and started a descent. We asked ATC for a block altitude and they came back and said descend to FL 340. We were out of the turbulence at FL 350. No one was hurt and we continued on to ZZZ. We did notice that the wind changed direction and speed. Up to 30 degrees and speed change was over 40 kts.
Cruising at FL360 in light to occasional moderate turbulence; we encountered an unreported area of severe turbulence. We were unable to maintain altitude and began a descent. I immediately requested a lower clearance; which was given. Made a PIREP and continued. No injuries among Crew or Passengers. Flight Attendants had been seated prior due to the expected moderate turbulence.
Flight Crew reported severe turbulence and loss of aircraft control requiring evasive action.