I managed to get a tiny stone stuck in the nose wheel steering cable pulley on a 757 that got stuck in a hard left turn just south of the tower (Romeo one?) at Gatwick a few years ago. The stone, perhaps 1/4 inch diameter had been dragged into the pulley and was holding the cable fast.
The Skipper suddenly bent double and made some deep grunting noises as he tried to turn the handle. I thought he was having a heart attack so I shouted that I was taking control and stuck the brakes on. Broad daylight but still plenty of confusion.
I wonder if the same thing happened here?