Some observations on wing structural failures in GA aircraft.
two aircraft types have historical records of wing failures.
contrary to guesswork speculation of failure mode, the wings do not normally fail upwards (they do not clap together).
C210 wing failures generally fail downwards, not upwards, with resulting slap marks on the fuselage sides. Failure usually initiated near the flap aileron junction.
Due to washout built into the wing design to attain favourable stall progression, the wingtips on C210 in cruise have either zero to slightly negative angle of attack.
operating above Vne results in downward loads in the outer wing area.
inspection of the wing lower skin near the flap aileron junction will often show a small crease.
the wing is typically rated at around 4g positive and around 1.8g negative., I.e. not as strong with downward loads.
the above observations obviously do not apply to corrosion cracking of the carry through spar.
The other aircraft type are the Aero Commander, the typical failure is just outside the engine nacelle, again signatures with slap marks on the fuselage.
to warn C208 Caravan pilots that they are near or have exceeded Vne, a warning system (the “naughty horn”) will sound an alarm. (The flight data recorder will have a record of the exceedance)
operating aircraft within the design constraints of Va and Vne should ensure a safe operation, however, inadvertent excursions into and beyond Vne can easily happen in extreme turbulence, loss of control in upset situations.
slow down when encountering possible entry into those conditions.