Don't remember the details, but there was a double release failure at Calistoga, years ago. Sailplane couldn't release, so tow pilot pulled the gilitene (Sp?) but it had rusted and didn't sever the line. Next he (tow pilot), broke the mirror and took a piece of it and tried to reach around behind and cut that puppy manually!
I seem to remember the gyrations of the un-guided tow plane were so severe that the tow rope finally just broke its self.
Anyone remember more details on this one?
JJ