Accident Overview
A commercial pilot was making what was reported to be his last flight in the airplane, as he was taking a job as a commuter pilot. According to a CFI who spoke with the pilot before departure, the pilot stated he was going to 'roll the airplane.'
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the right wing folded back, accompanied by a loud booming noise. No inflight smoke or fire was reported.
Structural Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed that the left stabilator failed in positive overload (failed down). The right wing failed at the wing root and also outboard of the right engine. The left wing failed outboard of the left engine. Wing spar examination showed upward (positive) bending, but failure was in the downward direction. All fracture surfaces showed evidence of overload; no evidence of fatigue was observed.
Aircraft Limitations
The pilot's operating handbook includes the limitation that all intentional aerobatic maneuvers are prohibited in this airplane.