2023-11 · NASA ASRS report 2051833
Cessna 208B pilot reported an inflight upset occurred; during which the airframe airspeed limitation was exceeded.
I operated an aircraft in a way that inadvertently caused it to go above the maximum airspeed limitation. I maneuvered the aircraft into a slight climb and short descent that was not a considerable deviation from normal cruise besides a decrease in airspeed to begin and momentary gain in altitude. After that I duplicated that same vertical arc; but coupled with a strong left bank in what most closely resembles a dramatic unusual attitude with recovery. However; I overestimated my own abilities and underestimated the response the aircraft would have.I considerably over-banked; unintentionally; likely past 90 degrees; and when the nose came down it sliced down through the horizon faster than I expected and could immediately recover from. I saw only ground ahead of me; and after glancing at my instruments saw I was pitched down at least 30 degrees; with the airspeed rapidly increasing. I defaulted to my training and performed a standard unusual attitude recovery: reducing the power while leveling the wings and then bringing the nose up gradually. The highest speed recorded was 201kts; with the aircraft airspeed redline at 175kts. I recovered and continued to return to my base with no further events; whereupon I immediately notified the appropriate personnel and submitted the aircraft for the proper inspection.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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