On Tuesday, February 25, 2014 8:02:47 AM UTC-5, Andreas Maurer wrote:

Never say never.



Two years ago we had a freak accident in Germany where the glider

pilot was unable to release during a winch tow.



Unfortunately, the winch driver was also unable to cut the winch

cable.



With incredible skill (and some luck) the glider pilot was able to

fly most of a circle tethered to the winch, until finally the winch

cable got caught in some bushes and he crashed from only about 30 ft

of altitude.

ASW-19 badly damaged, pilot fortunately not hurt.

This is implausible and frankly unbelievable. I would have thought that a slack Spectra line could be cut with a sharp pocket knife.