Incident Overview
On a night flight departing from Troy, Michigan, bound for Oshkosh, Wisconsin, two instrument-rated pilots lost radio and radar contact approximately six minutes after being cleared to climb from 3,000 to 5,000 feet. The aircraft was cruising about four miles south-southwest of Pontiac, Michigan, when contact was lost. A search was initiated, and the wreckage was located near Highland, Michigan.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the outboard twelve feet of the right wing, along with portions of the right elevator and right elevator trim tab, had separated from the aircraft during flight. A thorough inspection of the airframe, engine, and components did not reveal any preexisting anomalies or failures.
Weather and Pilot Factors
Forecasts and reports indicated turbulence at the cruising altitude, with temperatures above freezing. No preexisting pathology or toxicological findings were identified that would have affected the pilots' performance.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that an in-flight separation of critical structural components occurred, but no probable cause was stated in the available information.