3.135 seconds implies that the tug will come to a dead stop which is not the
case. The speed should remain about the same with the tug arcing downward.

Once, with a 2-33 on tow, I experienced a blown front seal in the Pawnee
235. The windscreen was immediately coated with oil and the cockpit filled
with smoke. I waved the glider off and spiraled down to land (I try to stay
within gliding distance of the field when towing).

On debrief, I complimented the instructor and student with getting off so
quickly after I rocked my wings. He laughed and said that he could see a
pair of wingtips rocking in a cloud of smoke so he released immediately.

I've made three dead stick landings in tow planes; all successful for the
tug and the glider.

"Roy Clark, "B6"" wrote in message
...
Towplane @ 70 kph
70 kilometer/hour = 63.794 foot/second
200 foot towrope / 63.794 foot/second
3.135 seconds = 3+ Mississippi which seemed enough in that situation.

07-03-1994 Keystone Gliderport with Tom as CFI for transition to glass.
Towplane backtaxis after hook-up.
Towpilot shouts, "I'm getting pretty low, but I think I got enough for one
more."
I pull the plug and shout, "I'll wait."
Could feel Tom's smile on the back of my neck.

In a crisis, you may not rise to the occasion,
But, you will sink to the level of your training.

Thanks, Tom