Onetrack said
I was under the impression that any dive into the sea from cruise at FL350 would still result in rapid breakup as VNE was exceeded?
Perhaps the 777 airframe is exceptionally robust, more so than we thought.
The Fedex MD11 where the jumpseat riding FE tried to take control was flown way past the barberpole and had substantial damage, but was still able to be landed.
I remember watching a doco about the design and build of the B777 and the wing structural test was very impressive as it allowed something like a 6m flex up and down before failing. My guess is it would be pretty robust.