Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
While in cruise at FL300; The aircraft encountered the wake of a B747 ahead. The aircraft abruptly banked 45-60 degrees left uncontrollably. We also lost 200-300 feet in altitude. The FO (pilot flying) regained control of the plane and stabilized the flight path by overriding the autopilot. I advised ATC and was told the 747 was 10 miles ahead. We were talking to ABQ Center at the time in the vicinity of the beginning of the Eagul arrival into PHX.If we were really 10 miles behind the waking aircraft; as ATC claimed at the time; then that is woefully inadequate spacing. The aircraft banked in excess of our capability to correct initially. We had passengers thrown to the ground and scared. Wake turbulence dissipates over time not distance and that should be the criteria for adequate spacing to prevent these occurrences.
B737-800 Captain reported encountering wake turbulence at FL300 in trail of a B747 resulting in a 45-60 degree bank and loss of 200-300 feet of altitude.