Thought this was bogus reporting, but friends in Portugal confirmed it.
Post-maintenance check flight (C-check).
Highlights:
Jet would roll left uncommanded.
Probably did at least three barrel rolls.
May have been 90 nose down at one point.
Terrible weather; appears gyros were tumbled.
F-16 intercepted and either led them or talked them through the weather.
Could only use rudder and differential throttle for roll.
Landed safely; jet not likely to fly again due to over-g.
Awesome job in an impossible situation!
Air Astana flight #KC1388 reported severe flight control issues, declared ?Mayday? ?. ? News In Flight