Information from the FDR indicates that once the flight crew was able to re-establish minimal control over the pitching tendency, they turned off the hydraulic power to the flight controls. This action removed the hydraulic pressure from both elevator PCUs resulting in both elevators deflecting to their neutral (zero hinge moment or float) position. Because the stabilizer was positioned full nose down, the airplane’s pitch attitude rapidly changed from a positive five degrees to approximately negative five degrees. The flight crew immediately restored hydraulic power and the airplane continued to demonstrate significant pitch up tendencies. The flight crew controlled the airplane through the use of full nose down stabilizer, thrust, roll and significant pilot effort by both crewmembers on their respective columns. A second approach and landing was successfully made.
Would that have worked if they had restored the trim?