So I've been thinking about this overnight.

I suppose that, if I could horse the trash rack off the riser (maybe just a small crane but I hate to give up the helicopter idea), maybe I could convince a crazed welder to drop down in there--somehow--and weld a patch over the hole. I'd worry about doing it from the outside as I'd have to move some dirt away and then the vict...er, welder, would have to stand between the pipe and the weakened bank. I'd be kind of nervous about that.

Anyone ever tried anything like this? Anyone a crazed welder with a crane or helicopter and trash rack removal experience?

Anyone?