Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 42; Flight Crew Total 825; Flight Crew Type 402
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Weather; Aircraft
Upon post flight inspection of a re position flight of a C172 for an annual inspection the side plastic covering of the left hand side of the elevator was found missing. No parts found on the ground therefore assumed to have come off enroute due to heavy turbulence. Aircraft flew normally and did not noticeably affect safety of flight. Turbulence could be described as moderate to severe. No injuries. Would not describe this as a malfunction say to flight controls however it is related. No structural damage found.
C172 pilot reported that a plastic elevator fairing separated from the aircraft during flight.