In article k.net,
Rich Lemert wrote:



How difficult would it have been to land the aircraft using only
power, rudder, and ailerons?

It would have been possible I think. But to make that landing I would
want a long runway and some Crash/Fire/Rescue resources. The closest
place is about 30nm away.

Did you have some reason, not given in the narrative, for believing
that you would be able to return the elevator to at least its current
position?

Yes. I was able early on to push the yoke forward slightly, although it
took a great deal of pressure to do so. I knew there was some risk of
making the situation worse, but felt that I would be able to get the
elevator back to a workable position if need be.

Did the fact that you were ready (and able) to bail out if necessary
influence your decision-making? (In other words, would you have done
the same things if you knew you had to live [or die] with any
irreversible negative changes you imposed on the situation?)

I can't honestly answer that. I have made over 700 jumps so the thought
of leaving the airplane isn't a big deal. Having the parachute does
open some options, or at least reduce the risk of death.

--
Dale L. Falk

There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing
as simply messing around with airplanes.

http://home.gci.net/~sncdfalk/flying.html