"goneill" wrote in message
...
The point is this "cartwheel scenario" has happened before.
I believe there was a case in Europe not that long ago.
gary

Indeed!

If a wing tip catches on something like tall grass, the combination of high
acceleration and CG hook can be disastrous. This sometimes results in a
flick roll and inverted crash. This is why the takeoff area of winch
operations needs to be smooth and the pilots 'spring loaded' to release if
the takeoff roll swerves.

If the takeoff surface was smooth asphalt and the glider had tip wheels or
low-friction skids then starting with a wingtip propped up on a stand or box
might not be so dangerous. It pays to be careful though.

Let me add just how sweet it is to accelerate and lift off without the
turbulence, noise and dust of a tow plane. Compared to air tow, a winch
launch area is downright civilized.

Bill Daniels