The weak link is normally at the tug end above the ground so its dragged
through nothing !

I have seen evidence that dropping of ropes with weak links bending the weak
link and it breaking, I made it a mini project for a few months to watch the
practice as they would tell us they were going to drop the rope when
refuelling. I would inspect the weak link prior and afterwards.

During this time I observed from a distance a launch that was going to
proceed if I had not stopped it were one of the weak links was broken upon
examination the remanning link was bent and the link that broke, broke by
bending.

I have also seen the indent in a wing of a weak link breaking and hitting
the wing after hearing the instructors birds eye view I would rather be
towed with ropes that are not dropped.

I always inspect the rope when hooking up including the weak link.


There were suggestions about dropping the tow rope,

This is a good way to bend break and weaken the weak link not a good
practice.

Hmm, is dropping the weak link from 50 feet really make all that much
difference, given that it is also subject to being dragged through dirt,
bushes, rocks, asphalt, the odd fence, etc., at 50 miles per hour?