ASRS 2034146
ACN 2034146 · 2023-09 · B737-700
B737-700 flight crew reported a track deviation and possible encroachment of a restricted area occurred following a wake turbulence encounter departing DCA.
Pilot narratives
Verbatim, de-identified by NASA. Placeholders: ZZZ,
X, Y.
Reporter 1
On REBLL 5 RNAV Departure, Tower cleared us to depart shortly after a (other carrier aircraft) and told us to maintain visual separation. Shortly after cleanup, we encountered robust wake turbulence and caused a sharp right rolling action. The autopilot disconnected from LNAV mode and transitioned to CWS (Control Wheel Steering) R. The First Officer was flying and appeared to not know how to utilize the CWS R mode to come back to the left. After a brief discussion, I directed the First Officer to come back to the left immediately, due to the proximity to P-56A. To the best of my knowledge, I believe we did not infringe upon the lateral confines of P-56A, but it's hard to discern exactly due to the non-standard shape of the P-56A airspace. We quickly corrected back to course and were not informed of any deviations by ATC. I need to be more directive and perhaps intervene when it appears the First Officer may be confused, and/or slow to correct in the vicinity of P-56A.
Reporter 2
FO (First Officer) was PF (Pilot Flying). Upon departure from DCA, Runway 1, REBLL 5 RNAV Departure. ATC cleared us for takeoff and to maintain visual separation from recently cleared (other carrier). Near 1500 [ft.] AGL, we experienced strong wake turbulence causing a rolling moment to the right, automation was engaged, causing the activation of CWS (Control Wheel Steering), and loss of lateral guidance. Initial course correction was delayed and could have been more abrupt. The course was corrected to the left and returned to the departure path. ATC did not mention any abnormality or divergence. As far as we know, the aircraft remained clear of the Restricted Area P-56A. More immediate and efficient crew communication would have assisted with course correction and we de-briefed lessons learned. Additionally, situational awareness would have been improved with use of additional fix info rings to help identify the restricted areas.
Analyst callback
Paraphrased notes from ASRS analyst follow-up calls with the reporter.
Reporter stated the proximity to the restricted area complicated the wake response.
NASA classification · Anomalies
- Airspace Violation
- Deviation - Track / Heading
- Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural
- Inflight Event / Encounter
NASA classification · Assessments
- Contributing Factors / Situations
- Environment - Non Weather Related · Human Factors · Procedure
- Primary Problem
- Ambiguous
ASRS reports are voluntary, de-identified by NASA, and represent the reporter's perspective; they are not investigated and cannot be used to infer prevalence. Authoritative source: asrs.arc.nasa.gov ↗