Summary
A cargo flight operating under 14 CFR Part 135 experienced substantial damage after the captain intentionally performed an aileron roll maneuver during cruise flight at night. The maneuver led to a loss of control, with the aircraft entering a nose-down unusual attitude and high-speed dive. Recovery efforts resulted in overspeed and excessive G-loads, exceeding the aircraft's design stress limits.
Accident Details
According to the captain, the airplane was functioning normally before the intentional aileron roll. During the maneuver, the roll got out of control while descending through flight level 200. The copilot reported that the captain's roll maneuver caused a nose-down unusual attitude and a high-speed dive. During the subsequent recovery, the aircraft experienced overspeed and excessive G-loads.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an inflight maneuver, which resulted in the design stress limits of the airplane being exceeded. A contributing factor was the excessive airspeed encountered during recovery.
Damage
Inspection of the aircraft revealed substantial damage to the left wing and elevator assembly.