Walt, I "feel your pain". It has been long reported that a Schweizer hook is difficult if not impossible to release under abnormal situations such as yours. A lot of tow pilots claim if that if the stick hits a stop, pull the release now! Another item I've always been acutely aware is the co-location of the flap handle and the release handle. Do you in a stressful time have the ability to grab the release NOW! Perhaps a Tee handle on a heavy cord in your lap would be quicker and provide more leverage. I like Dave's comment in favor of switching to Tost releases