Kevin Christner's question about unplanned releases from tow...

Hello Ken,

In 51 years of soring I have had two unplanned terminations from a tow.
Both took place in the 70's.

In 1973 while on tow in a Std Libelle the tow rope quietly released from
the nose hook (Tost). I had done nothing to precipitate this release ...no
hand on the release, no banging the instrument panel, no sudden movement in
the cockpit.

The towplane had not yet crossed the road just beyond the end of the
runway. I don't remember what my altitude was but I was just higher than
the stand of trees on the opposite side of the road. To my mind, to
continue straight ahead was not a good plan. I pushed the stick forward and
rolled to the right as I dived. I remember distinctly looking down at the
tennis courts adjacent to the runway as I rolled through 90 degrees and
started to pull out and line up for my landing.

The several ship owners waiting for tows allowed me to return to the head
of the line and we all made a check of the release system. It was decided
that the tow ring had not been properly attached!

There was no problem with my next tow.

In 1978 while halfway? , two thirds of the way? down a 3000 foot runway,
the towpilot waved me off! (Engine problem)

Luckily I was flying a Concept 70 with big 90 degree flaps! To turn was
not a good plan. After making a straight ahead landing I was sitting in the
pucker-brush beyond the runway with no damage.

Bill N


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