"Any SEP is easily controlled using pitch trim only should the elevator get jammed."
I've practiced flying with rudder, throttle, trim on C152, Pa28, Pa38, Jodel DR1050, and Bolkow Junior. That's with elevator free. I'm not sure how it might be with normal elevator controls, but a damaged or partly jammed elevator. Trim control would work if elevator controls disconnected, but elevator OK.
The Jodel would have to touchdown at high speed, and would likely lose control. The others should land OK.
As regards his decision to land as soon as possible, there was a fatal Europa crash where they broke off at final, presumably to sort out a problem. Then a wing broke off.