Malfunctioning Engine Statistical Survey
M.E.S.S.

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Manufacturer
Estes Industries
Designation
E12-4
Type
single-use
Date code
A 04 02 12
Failure date
Jun 8, 2017
Location
Lucerne Valley Dry Lake, CA
Temperature
55 ℉
Nozzle blown out
Ejection end blown out
Burning propellant ejected
Other failure
description
The casing remained intact; however, it was essentially empty as the nozzle and the ejection end, including the burning propellant, was blown out. The nose cone of the Estes Rock-It, along with a huge fireball, was blown 50' into the air. The airframe, motor mount, and fins remained undamaged, though the shock cord was torn from the airframe. The force of the CATO destroyed the Estes PortaPad, shattering two legs and the blast deflector adaptor and severely dented the blast deflector plate.
Reported to mfr.
Have more motors
Comments
Motor was ignited using an Estes igniter held in place with an Estes plastic plug, and it exploded instantaneously upon ignition. I have pictures of the rocket, motor casing, and launch pad, if necessary.
Status
accepted