Super King Air 350
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 35; Flight Crew Total 14200; Flight Crew Type 225
Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
While on the ERNNY 4 arrival we encountered wake turbulence at approximately 8000 feet in between clouds and in clear air. The aircraft pitched up and rolled to the left causing the autopilot to disengage. After the initial pitch and roll changes the aircraft encountered violent turbulence tossing cabin items and people; crew and passengers were all seat belted and no injuries. The First Officer reported the wake turbulence to Approach Control and then we were advised that we were 5 miles in-trail of [another aircraft] at the same altitude. He asked if there were any injuries and we reported no. I believe we encountered the wake of the [other aircraft] because he descended from a higher altitude to our altitude in front of us. Traffic was heavy and we were instructed to maintain 240 knots or greater when we encountered the wake turbulence. After reporting the event we were slowed down and vectored onto 9L ILS approach behind the same traffic; and we maintained a dot high on the glide slope to make sure we did not encounter wake turbulence again. I am not positive that the wake we encountered came from the traffic ahead or other traffic that may have crossed our path. After many years of flying heavy jets this was a real eye opener for me; encountering wake turbulence like this at low altitude would be a real challenge.
King Air 350 Captain reported encountering wake turbulence on arrival into ORD.