Final Flight

 "We are in normal flight.  Hadn't been up in the air long - maybe 15- 20 mins. Perhaps 4 or 5 others with me. Others are elsewhere. I'm thinking through many details, distracted.  Watching the others close by- concerned for them.   Looking up and to my left, I notice no tension in my control column (right to left).  Plane continues on but gently slides to left- maybe 30 degrees. I indicate with my right hand for others to keep on going.  I'll catch up.  We are on a mission to somewhere specific. ( not just patrolling).

I'm thinking i might just have to return to base or make a unexpected landing. We are close to our territory.  I'm not concerned, just kind of annoyed at the inconvenience.  Control column is useless, can't control bank. I use full right rudder to compensate, and it helps, but is hard work.

I'm making a wide slow left turn.  Looking for the ground for somewhere to land- I have quite some height.   Left wing is low, and turn speed is increasing... Trying to keep nose pitched up, for greater control of plane. (Pitch is tail cable, and is working, kind of). The other planes are off now in the distance, and I watch them go. Some leader I am.. This thought discourages me...

Got to get this plane down somewhere and make my way back to base... I'm frustrated.

No one shooting at me.. There would have been plenty of opportunity.  No one is close (in the air). 

Ground is getting closer now- plane is really listing.. It is slipping and turning. My bank is severe.  Look ahead..... Looking for a clear area.  Want to avoid the huge mounds of dirt.  Concerned about troops below...

I no longer can control descent of plane.. Its fast, and even with all my weight against foot lever (rudder), I can't bring plane out of dive... I'm going to crash.  My last thought is I'll pitch up last minute and just scrape ground.  But wing angle too steep and descent too fast."