NCB2021 - Incident: North Cariboo DH8C at Smithers on Nov 6th 2022

A North Cariboo Flying Service de Havilland Dash 8-300, registration C-GLWN performing flight NCB-2021 from Vancouver,BC to Smithers,BC (Canada) with 15 passengers and 3 crew, was on approach to Smithers about to turn final when the crew disconnected the autopilot to turn left and align with the runway. While the aircraft was slowed and configured for landing the crew felt a significant pitch control issue, the trim wheel was difficult to move. While extending the flaps to 15 degrees both pilots were needed to maintain the pitch angle. The crew elected to perform a missed approach despite the significantly degraded pitch control and performed the related checklists. Pitch control improved sufficiently to permit another approach. The aircraft subsequently landed without further incident and taxied to the apron. After parking the aircraft a significant force was needed to move the control column forward to engage the control lock.

The Canadian TSB reported about 10 minutes after shutdown the controls could be freely moved and wrote: "Company maintenance examined the aircraft and discovered pieces of melting ice in the area of the elevator actuating mechanism. The aircraft had been parked outside over-night in CYVR in light rain. At CYYD, the temperature was -9°C, with a wind chill factor of -17°C. After maintenance inspected the airplane, it was returned to service."