Yesterday I decided to fly the 360. I pulled it out of the hanger did my
flight check at the hanger like I usually do and interesting enough the
elevator controls were limited to about 5 degrees up elevator.  A quick
check in the console area was clear, baggage tunnel clear. ( I have the
outback gear).  While pulling out the hat shelf closeout; I noticed the 4
inch speaker cover usually in place on the hat shelf was missing.  (That
speaker cover is an air passage to allow cabin pressurized air to escape out
the back.)  Looking down to the counterweight and pivot point area there was
the speaker cover, jamming the controls.

A four inch speaker cover seems like an insignificant item!!!!!!!!

LESSON LEARNED

Boy am I one lucky guy that that speaker cover didn't fall out in flight but
rather dropped down while in the hanger.  This attests to the fact that you
must check everything in the plane even if you assume no tampering has
occured because your plane is in your home hanger.  ALSO. that speaker cover
was pressed into place, not glued nor screwed.  So temperature and other
factors loosened it and it fell down and jammed the works.

Everything in your plane should be securely fastened, no matter how
insignificant that item may be.  Do this and your life may be saved.

Does anyone else have any similar experiences or pearls of wisdom to share
with us.