20120216002539A

On February 16, 2012, everts flight 1291, an EMB-120, N1110J, on an IFR flight plan from anchorage, AK (anc) (panc) to Iliamna, AK (ili) (pail), experienced uncommanded inflight pitch control excursions. The flight was a part 121 supplemental, cargo only flight. On the initial decent, the aircraft was stabilized at 250 knots in the descent with no turbulence. The aircraft suddenly experienced a pitch down of approximately 20 degrees, followed by difficult elevator control inputs and unusual control yoke felt feedback. Nothing abnormal was felt in the controls prior to the excursion. The captain initiated emergency procedures for a suspected trim malfunction and instructed the first officer to declare an emergency and assist in emergency procedures. The aircraft was slowed to 200 knots in a continued decent. At approximately 5-10 miles south of Iliamna, at 3000 feet, while in a gentle left hand turn, the aircraft experienced another uncommanded 20 degree pitch down. After recovery, the aircraft was aligned with rwy 35 at ili and the crew flew a straight in approach with flaps up and maintained 180 knots until crossing the threshold. The landing used approximately ¾ of the runway, using maximum braking and reverse thrust. The landing did no damage to the brakes or tires. The aircraft was taxied to the ramp. Post flight revealed the left elevator had detached at the outboard 2 hinge points at the vertical attachment bolts.