What was found
(CAN) ELEVATOR CONTROL JAMMED ON PREFLT FUNCTION TEST. COMPLETE SYSTEM INSPECTED FOR FAULT. FINDINGS: LOOSE NUT (FOD) NR NAS 697A6 FOUND STUCK ON TOP OF ELEVATOR PUSH ROD NR 0510111-10 AT BELLCRANK ASSEMBLY NR 0761202-50 ATTACHMENT. RESTRAINING ELEVATOR MOVEMENT TO THE LOWER STOP. THAT NUT WAS PROBABLY LOST ON TOP OF LOWER ELEVATOR CONTROL STOP - ELEVATOR LOWER NR 0510146-9 AND WAS LEFT THERE UNTAKEN CARE OF AND UNDETECTED FOR YEARS THERE AFTER. THIS NUT I S OFF VERTICAL FIN FORWARD INSTALLATION BOLTS NR AN6-7A. LAST SUSPECTED REMOVAL AND REASSEMBLY OF VERTICAL FIN (WITH NEW NUTS) MAY 1990. AIRCRAFT MAINT TECH SHOULD 'NEVER' LEAVE 'LOST' AND 'UNFOUND' HARDWARE IN AN AIRFRAME. JUST LIVE TOOLS.