On Friday, October 24, 2014 10:31:25 PM UTC-5, Bill T wrote:
Engine failure, witnessed one. Stearman tow plane, the glider pilot saw a puff of smoke and the rope dropped from the tow in the next second. Glider ended up off field.

Unless there are special circumstances (such as an aero retrieve), I would consider it bad practice to tow a glider out of gliding range of the departing airfield. And considering that most towplanes climb faster than gliders sink, unless you take the glider directly downwind or to the lee of a ridge, it isn't that hard.

Wave conditions, of course, may introduce variables (rotor, etc)...

Or the glider pilot may be somewhat lacking in skill...

Kirk