Incident Description
During a normal cruise flight, the pilot became unable to move the elevator control. The flight continued to its planned destination using elevator trim for pitch control. On final approach to the runway, the aircraft encountered a wind gust that caused a nose-down pitch. The pilot could not control the descent using elevator trim, resulting in an undershoot of the runway.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed solid ice formations inside the hull that encased the elevator control push-pull rod. The pilot stated that he had been unable to move the elevator control during the preflight inspection. External heat was applied, after which control movement became possible, and the aircraft made a normal takeoff.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported the preflight difficulty and the application of external heat to restore elevator control movement before departure. No further issues were noted until the elevator control jammed again during cruise. The use of elevator trim allowed continued flight, but it proved insufficient to counteract the wind gust on approach.