Flight Profile
After taking off at approximately 2250, the aircraft was identified on radar and observed climbing on course to 10,700 ft. The crew then descended through 10,500 ft and reported they would maintain that altitude. At about 2301, the aircraft was approximately 5 miles southeast of Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 10,300 ft when radar contact was lost. The aircraft subsequently crashed in that area in a near-vertical descent.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the outboard 8 ft of the right wing had separated in flight and impacted about 1/4 mile from the main wreckage. The right aileron had sheared into three pieces and was found near the failed wing. Evidence indicated that the wing had yielded to a down and up loading (one cycle) when it separated upward and rearward. All fracture surfaces showed evidence of overload failures, except the aileron control linkage, which was further damaged on impact and could not be evaluated.
Pilot Information
Both pilots were using medication that was contraindicated for use by airmen. Additionally, both had little sleep during the previous 48 hours. Before the flight, the pilot seemed agitated and the copilot had an odor of beer.