Incident Overview
On 18 July 2013 at 0850 UTC, a Champion 7ECA Citabria Aurora (registration G-EGWN) was conducting an aerobatic training sortie near RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire. The instructor reported that the elevator control became restricted. A successful landing was carried out.
Foreign Object Discovery
Initial investigation found a foreign object, a metal ring, lodged against the elevator control stop. The origin of the ring could not be determined at that time. Further investigation by the flying club identified that the metal ring was from the aircraft’s door emergency release pull.
Corrective Action
The ring was replaced and an additional lanyard was added to restrain it should it become detached again. The aircraft was returned to service.