Joe raises a very important point here "keep the wing flying". As a glider instructor we teach/practice launch failures a lot. The most important thing is to get the nose down and maintain a safe speed near the ground (1.5 X stall speed). Winch launches are truly exhilarating as you can have around a 45 degree angle of attack (if you have never done a winch launch find a club near you and go for the ride of you life, also ask for spin training :-). During winch launches cable breaks are common and getting the nose down is life saving.
Before you take off you should know what your options are. Once you get to your safe flying speed then you can re-evaluate your options. Just remember that more injuries have occurred from turning back rather than landing ahead (so I'm told). Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqN3ixDFW8c And http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFT1K1rQvHA Or search YouTube for "winch launch glider cable break" Regards Barry Kruyssen k...@bigpond.com
