Recognizing and reacting to tow plane engine failure

On Thursday, October 23, 2014 9:41:57 AM UTC-5, son_of_flubber wrote:
It would be useful to hear your stories of how incidents of tow plane engine failure turned out for you. It seems that there is very little time to recognize, react, and recover. What are classic mistakes to make in this scenario?

Would it be useful to practice 'release and land to the side of the tow plane path' (and have the tow plane fly a normal departure of course)? Any other recommended training exercises?

Your training should have covered these eventualities before your checkride..

As a glider pilot, I've had a towplane run out of fuel (at top of tow - we both released at the same time, rope never recovered), towplanes abort takeoff due to canopy door slamming open on ground (Pawnee), and at least one PTT (not towplane related). All were interesting but well within what was covered by my training.

From the towplane perspective, I've briefed and given sumulated emergencies to student glider pilots - such as briefing the glider pilot to slowly extend his divebrakes (at a safe altitude), note the difference in climb, then watch for my rudder waggle signal to close them. I've also done practice engine failure on tow (again, prebriefed) by slowly retarding the throttle at the top of the tow, and giving the waveoff wing rock to the glider, so the glider experiences the sensation of the tow losing power, and sees the "release now" signal.

If you are properly trained, have a plan, and pay attention, there is always plenty of time to take the correct action. If you are not sure you are ready, I suggest some practice scenarios with a cooperative tow pilot and instructor.

Kirk
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