Incident Summary
The pilot reported that while en route to the destination, approximately three to four miles before reaching the runway, elevator authority was lost. In response, the pilot employed elevator trim and power adjustments to manage pitch, subsequently descending over the runway. The aircraft was leveled off over the runway, and the pilot attempted to reduce airspeed. However, the airplane descended further, impacting the runway surface. The impact resulted in substantial damage to a wing strut.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified that the elevator control had separated at a connection between the control cable and a push/pull tube. The tube and cable ends remained intact and exhibited no signs of deformation or fatigue. The bolt that secured this connection was missing and was not recovered for further examination.
According to the methods, techniques, and practices outlined in Advisory Circular 43.13B, the bolt should have been secured with a castellated nut and a cotter pin. Neither the nut nor the cotter pin were recovered from the wreckage.