Comments
As the rocket (Estes Star Orbiter) cleared the launch rod it CATO'ed. The case remained in the rocket while all of the motor contents was ejected up thru the rocket in a burning fireball. The burning mass landed about 20 feet from the pad. The nose cone, chute, and shock cord landed on the ground. The rocket was slammed to the ground rupturing the lower body tube and cracking the Estes motor retainer.