Incident Description
A Beech 1900C operating a scheduled commuter flight experienced an issue while attempting to level off at 5,000 feet. The co-pilot was unable to push the control wheel forward sufficiently to achieve level flight. The crew compensated by reducing engine power, allowing them to maintain control. The flight subsequently returned to the departure airport and executed a normal landing. All occupants deplaned without incident.
Investigation Findings
Post-flight examination of the aircraft revealed that a shop rag had become jammed in the elevator control pulley located beneath the pilot's seat. This obstruction prevented full forward movement of the control column. The aircraft had accumulated 21 flight hours since the most recent inspection, during which the cockpit floor plates had been opened for maintenance access. It is believed the rag was inadvertently left in the area during that inspection.
Conclusion
The jammed elevator control was directly attributable to the foreign object—a shop rag—lodged in the pulley mechanism. No other factors were identified.