Incident Overview
Two separate flights experienced a loss of elevator control during departure. In both cases, the flight crew determined that the elevator would not respond to control inputs. The incidents occurred under similar weather conditions, with the aircraft departing in rain showers.
First Occurrence
During the first occurrence, the flight crew continued to fly the airplane using pitch trim. They descended to a lower altitude where elevator control was regained. After the flight, maintenance personnel discovered ice accretions in the elevator control bay of the vertical stabilizer. They also found debris obstructing the drain holes in that area. The surface temperature at departure was 46 degrees Fahrenheit.
Second Occurrence
During the second occurrence, the flight crew applied elevator backpressure until the elevator "...bump[ed] free and control was restored." Following this event, maintenance personnel were unable to find any anomalies in the elevator system. The surface temperature at departure was 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Weather Conditions
On both occasions, the airplane departed in rain showers. The surface temperatures were 46°F for the first flight and 39°F for the second flight.
Maintenance Findings
After the first incident, maintenance found ice accretions in the elevator control bay and debris blocking the drain holes. After the second incident, no anomalies were identified.
Summary
Two separate flights experienced temporary loss of elevator control during departure in rain showers at low temperatures. Ice and debris were found after the first event, but no mechanical issues were found after the second. In both cases, control was regained by the flight crew's actions.