The odds against a rope break on aerotow are excellent - I've never had one in 50 years gliding. The odds against a towplane engine faliure (or some other serious problem) however are rather higher, and part of the pre-take off checks are 'what do I do if the tow terminates prematurely'. And a continual monitoring on the climb out of the same action plan.
Getting out of position in severe turbulence at some sites, in wave rotor, (and having to pull off) is always a distinct possibility, and that's again part of the action plan. Not happened so far, but I've come close.
Wire breaks on winch launching are rather more likely, and part of the annual proficiency check at the club where I fly. Again, a pre-take off plan taking wind, field layout and so on means that they are a non-event.
PPPPP
Last edited by Fitter2; 7th Aug 2012 at 07:12.