Beech 1900
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft; Company Policy; Weather
Crew departed Anchorage for flight; conditions on ground were rainy and roughly 6 degrees C. Flight continued as normal until top of descent; when flight crew noticed elevator control and trim were becoming stiff to operate. Crew continued descent; suspecting that flight controls might be slightly frozen due to cold temps at altitude and rain on the ground in Anchorage. Temps [at destination] were reported at 4 degrees C; and crew determined that continuing descent would allow ice in controls to thaw. Upon reaching roughly 5 mile final; on a visual approach; crew decided to execute a go-around due to excessive elevator and trim stiffness. Crew contacted ATC and diverted flight back to PANC; flying at ATC's lowest allowable altitude to remain in warmer temps and continue to melt ice buildup in controls. Crew also contacted dispatch in order to discuss issue with maintenance. Upon descent into PANC; crew observed better control responsiveness after reaching warmer temperatures and determined that a safe landing could be made. Landing was made in PANC without issue. Maintenance told crew that plane had sat out in rain on ANC ramp all night; and that issue stemmed from water build up inside aircraft where flight control cable and pulley assemblies sit. Once crew climbed up to altitude; where temps were in excess of -25C; the excess water froze some of those controls. I recommend that when raining; aircraft which are meant to be flown the next morning be hangared out of the rain to keep these controls dry and avoid this situation in the future.
Reporter stated aircraft type is Beech 1900C.
B1900C Captain reported experiencing stiff flight controls; probably due to icing; after the aircraft sat overnight on the rainy ramp in ANC.