do a lot of Mx test flying of aircraft out of heavy maintenance or heavy inspection in addition to training evaluator work, and there’s a certain challenge to getting formerly broken aircraft dialed back in once completed, in order for them to be able to be released back to the line for pilots to fly. The various test cards push the aircraft and its systems to the limit, but does it safely, so long as the test iterations are performed correctly. Teaching new Mx test pilots, the challenge is instilling a habit of extreme precision, finesse, and a mindset of slower is faster. None of the test maneuver cards are designed to break or damage anything on the aircraft, but without the aforementioned habits instilled, the chance of doing something like overstressing, breaking, or exceeding a particular limit while following a test card, is high.
Not sure what might have happened in this particular accident, as I’m not read in on the details, just making the point that even when performed correctly, Mx test flying is a different type of flying, with many gotchas from a number of different sources lurking around at all times.
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