Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
Our aircraft was at 14;000 ft and 15-20 miles northeast of ORD. Chicago Center cleared [us] 'direct PETTY intersection; climb FL230; resume normal speed.' The Captain (pilot flying) began to accelerate the aircraft and continue the climb to FL230. At 18;000 ft MSL the aircraft rolled approximately 20 degrees right; 20 degrees left; and the autopilot disconnected. The Captain returned the plane to straight and level flight while the First Officer radioed to ATC that they had just experienced severe turbulence. Chicago Center; surprised; said that a B777 had been in that area but was approximately 50 miles east of that location already. The Captain made an announcement to the passengers and the First Officer talked to the flight attendant. The flight attendant said that she had hit the left side of her head on the overhead bin and then the right sight of her head on the overhead bin during the severe turbulence as she was doing her water service. No passengers were standing at the time of the wake turbulence and the seat belt sign was on. The Captain and First Officer advised the flight attendant to return to her seat and remain seated for the remainder of the flight (approximately 20-25 minutes). Upon landing; the flight attendant complained of a headache and the following day the flight attendant visited an urgent care clinic because of her injuries. The First Officer had slight discomfort in his right rib cage due to a previous broken rib many years prior; but both the First Officer and Captain remained uninjured. There was no damage to the aircraft. Poor spacing by ATC from a B777 aircraft resulting in severe turbulence. ATC cross check altitude and clearing distance from heavy aircraft.
CRJ-200 First Officer reported a Flight Attendant was injured after they encountered wake turbulence at 14;000 ft possibly from a B777 50 miles away.