The pilot reported that shortly after take-off the elevator control jammed. He then noted that the horn end of the left elevator was hanging about eight centimetres below the horizontal stabiliser. The load was jettisoned as the pilot prepared to land but increasing difficulty was experienced in keeping the aircraft nose-up. On short final approach the left elevator separated from the aircraft but despite the lack of elevator control the aircraft was landed without further damage. Investigation revealed damage to the leading edge of the left elevator horn. It was probable that this area had been struck by an object while the elevator was in the full nose-up position, i.e. with the horn pointing downwards. The object which caused the damage was not identified, however the impact allowed the outboard hinge pin to become dislodged from its bearing. This in turn led to the jamming of the elevator controls and to the subsequent detachment of the left elevator.
