quasi engine failure?

This past Saturday I launched my Mega Der Red Max on an Aerotech LMS G79-7W. It was a successful flight, but I did notice that the rocket did seem to veer off at an angle, which was a little odd for this rocket, since it tends to fly pretty true. When I retrieved it, I noticed that part of the nozzle was blown away. Was the thrust vectoring to one side? How did this happen? I'm fairly new to mid-power and so I appeal to the collective wisdom here. Please take a look at the photos and tell me what you think.

Thanks!

Based on the clean break (no visible spot on broken area) I would think the nozzle damage occurred via contact on landing. As for the off vertical boost, what was the wind speed? Was it just weather cocked a bit, as in it turned into the wind off the rod due to the wind on the large fins?

Could be a manufacturing defect, possible hairline crack stress riser in the nozzle. This is what it looks like when a K2050 experiences the same failure:

jpoehlman said:

Based on the clean break (no visible spot on broken area) I would think the nozzle damage occurred via contact on landing. As for the off vertical boost, what was the wind speed? Was it just weather cocked a bit, as in it turned into the wind off the rod due to the wind on the large fins?

Click to expand...

Initially, I thought it may have weathercocked a bit, since there was a bit of a breeze, but then I saw the break. As far as damage upon landing, I'm not sure. The Mega Der Red Max has pretty large fins that protect the back end from hitting the ground. Hairline fracture?

Please fill out a MESS form and let Aerotech know about this, too.

Done.

Sometimes a good bump (or a drop) might incur a crack. To me, that's what happened here.. (And not necessarily by you though!) that's my opinion. Someone at the store before you dropped it..

Bad nozzle, that did not break on landing!!