M-7
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 135; Flight Crew Total 3153; Flight Crew Type 23
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
I departed with a Switzer 2-33 glider on glider orientation flight in tow. At about 400 feet the engine lost power; I signaled the glider to release (easily made it back to the runway); and I quickly sought a place to make an off-airport landing (did not have sufficient altitude to make it back to airport). I landed in a field of low stubble and soggy grass without incident. The aircraft did not appear to be damaged. There were no structures on the ground and no damage/injuries.  While there appeared to be more than sufficient fuel for the flight; fuel starvation made have been the cause for the loss of power.
Glider tow pilot reported a loss of power after takeoff that resulted in an early release of the glider and an off-field landing.