What happened
During a night cargo operation conducted under 14 CFR Part 135 regulations, the pilot in command initiated an intentional aileron roll while the aircraft was in the cruise phase of flight. According to reports from the crew, the aircraft had been operating normally prior to the maneuver. However, as the aircraft descended through flight level 200, the roll became uncontrolled.
The flight crew reported that the maneuver led to a nose-down unusual attitude and a high-speed dive. During the subsequent attempt to recover the aircraft, the plane experienced overspeed conditions and excessive G-loads. While the crew managed to stabilize the flight, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the elevator assembly and the left wing.
Findings
Post-accident inspections confirmed structural damage to the left wing and the elevator. The primary factor in the damage was the loss of control during an intentional roll maneuver, which subjected the airframe to extreme aerodynamic forces and high speeds.