eeekk, I would have been a blubbering mess if that happened to me, but then again I almost destroyed my OTA because i tightened the clamp whilst the telesope and mount were horizontal position, which meant the clamp was not tightening onto the dovetail properly, then slewed to a target and i hear a hiss, then a thud as the OTA slid down the clamp hitting the "Safety Lug"... if you have the safety lug USE THEM!!!
Rooky mistakes i keep making, but thankfully nothing broken yet! except my pride
