Tow plane directs emergency release of glider in ZOA airspace.

Attributes
ACN	413653
Time
Date	199809
Day	Fri
Local Time Of Day	1801 To 2400
Place
Locale Reference	airport : o58
State Reference	CA
Altitude	msl bound lower : 5700 msl bound upper : 5700
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Operator	other
Make Model Name	PA-25 Pawnee
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 91
Flight Phase	climbout : intermediate altitude
Flight Plan	None
Aircraft 2
Operator	other
Make Model Name	Sail Plane
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 91
Flight Phase	climbout : intermediate altitude
Flight Plan	None
Person 1
Affiliation	Other
Function	flight crew : single pilot oversight : pic
Qualification	pilot : instrument pilot : commercial
Experience	flight time last 90 days : 250 flight time total : 1250 flight time type : 500
ASRS Report	413653
Person 2
Affiliation	Other
Function	flight crew : single pilot
Qualification	other other : other
Events
Anomaly	aircraft equipment problem : critical
Independent Detector	other flight crewa
Resolutory Action	flight crew : declared emergency none taken : unable other
Consequence	Other
Supplementary
Primary Problem	Aircraft

Narrative:

Upon towing a switzer 232 at an altitude of 5700 ft AGL, I noticed the amp gauge was not reading correctly. I then made the decision to give the emergency release signal (wing wag) -- the glider released. I then proceeded back to the airport. I discovered (after shutdown) that the amp gauge was faulty. I noted the problem on the repair sheet. The problem was noted and repaired.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: TOW PLANE DIRECTS EMER RELEASE OF GLIDER IN ZOA AIRSPACE.

Narrative: UPON TOWING A SWITZER 232 AT AN ALT OF 5700 FT AGL, I NOTICED THE AMP GAUGE WAS NOT READING CORRECTLY. I THEN MADE THE DECISION TO GIVE THE EMER RELEASE SIGNAL (WING WAG) -- THE GLIDER RELEASED. I THEN PROCEEDED BACK TO THE ARPT. I DISCOVERED (AFTER SHUTDOWN) THAT THE AMP GAUGE WAS FAULTY. I NOTED THE PROB ON THE REPAIR SHEET. THE PROB WAS NOTED AND REPAIRED.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2007 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.