Flight and Accident Sequence
The aircraft took off at approximately 2250 hours. Radar data showed it climbing on course to an altitude of 10,700 feet. The crew then descended through 10,500 feet and informed controllers they would maintain that altitude. At about 2301, the aircraft was approximately 5 miles southeast of Colorado Springs and at 10,300 feet when radar contact was lost. The aircraft crashed in that area in a near-vertical descent.
Damage to the Aircraft
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the outboard 8 feet of the right wing had separated in flight. This section impacted the ground about one-quarter mile from the main wreckage. The right aileron had sheared into three pieces and was located near the failed wing. All fracture surfaces displayed evidence of overload failures, except the aileron control linkage, which sustained additional damage on impact and could not be evaluated. The wing showed evidence of yielding to a down and up loading cycle when it separated upward and rearward.
Pilot Information
Both pilots were using medication contraindicated for use by airmen and had obtained little sleep during the previous 48 hours. Before the flight, the pilot appeared agitated and the copilot had an odor of beer. Both occupants were killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons, leading to an uncontrolled descent. During the descent, the aircraft exceeded design stress limits, resulting in overload and separation of the right aileron and wing spar. The accident occurred at night, and findings noted pilot fatigue, copilot fatigue, psychological condition of the pilot, alcohol impairment of the copilot, and drug impairment of both pilots.