Date: 201301
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: AVL.Airport, NC
Flight conditions: IMC
Weather elements / visibility: Turbulence
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Descent
ATC / advisory: TRACON AVL
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Anomaly: Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: General None Reported / Taken
Contributing factors: Weather
Primary problem: Weather

Narrative: A strong weather system was spread across the southeastern United States with strong surface winds; low ceilings; light to heavy precipitation; icing; and light to moderate turbulence all forecast in the effected areas. Due to the short duration of the flight and the probability we would encounter turbulence for the entire duration; the crew and passengers were briefed before departure to remain seated with seat belts fastened for the entire flight. After an uneventful departure and climb; we leveled at 9;000 feet and encountered constant light turbulence with occasionally moderate chop for the entirety of the cruise portion of the flight. After contacting Approach; we were told to expect vectors for the ILS 34; issued a heading of 240; and a descent to 6;000 feet. The light turbulence continued as we descended. Upon reaching 6;000 feet; the turbulence increased in intensity from light to sustained moderate. We discussed asking for a descent but we realized we were likely at the minimum altitude already due to the terrain in the area and decided to ride it out as it would be a short time until we would likely be issued further descent. At this point; the Controller queried us as to the winds aloft. We reported those to be out of the south/southwest at 50-60 knots; after which the Controller advised us to expect an extreme shift as we got closer to the surface. At this point; the moderate turbulence had been sustained for at least a minute; and I was mostly concentrating my attention on maintaining airspeed. We were level at 6;000 feet at 250 KIAS. Suddenly; the aircraft shook and tossed so abruptly that I could not focus on the instruments; and we were slammed up and down several times. At one point; the control yoke went full right while the aircraft continued to bank left. Approximately three hard hits occurred over what I believe to be a period of around 15 seconds. After those abrupt departures from controlled flight; the moderate turbulence resumed until we were able to descend lower. I noted that several loose items in the cockpit had been thrown one direction or the other; and the coffee in my drink holder; with a lid on it; had been thrown out of the cup. No apparent damage to the aircraft was observed and it appeared to be flying fine so we elected to continue and land. Out of around 4;000 feet on the ILS; the turbulence subsided to light/moderate chop and a normal landing ensued. No passengers or crew were injured; but several passengers did experience air sickness from the encounter. We notified maintenance of the encounter with severe turbulence so they could complete the appropriate inspections.




Synopsis: A CRJ-700 Captain reported an encounter with severe turbulence shortly before landing.