- Joined
- Feb 1, 2019
- Messages
- 220
- Reaction score
- 250
Was at the Tripoli Houston Launch Saturday (Great Launch) and was going to fly my Estes Star Orbiter on an F15-8. This was to be the 3rd flight of this rocket in the last 3 months all using F15-8's. The rocket had cleared the launch rod when the motor cato'ed sending all of the motor contents except for the case up thru the rocket. The nose cone, melted chute, shock cord, dog barf all went skyward followed by a bright orange fireball that went about 30 feet into the air before hitting the ground. The rocket was slammed to the ground breaking the body tube just below the upper launch lug and cracking the plastic motor retainer. I had inspected the motor before installing and it visually looked fine. Motor fit was good and it went right into the motor mount.