Incident Overview
During a second attempt to tow a glider, the tow rope broke for the second time. The pilot subsequently pulled the lever intended to release the rope, but the rope did not release. As the glider performed a landing roll, the main landing gear rolled over the rope. This caused the glider to veer to the right. The glider continued off the side of the airstrip and collided with a stationary runway border cone. The pilot was then able to regain control and maneuver the glider back onto the airstrip.
Sequence of Events
Two tow attempts were made. During the first, the tow rope broke. During the second attempt, the tow rope broke again. After the second break, the pilot attempted to release the rope by pulling the release lever, but the mechanism did not function. The glider then landed. During the landing roll, the main landing gear contacted the rope. This contact caused the glider to veer to the right. The glider left the airstrip and struck a stationary runway border cone. Shortly after the collision, the pilot regained control and returned the glider to the airstrip.