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Motor burn went through all three phases (thrust, delay, ejection). However, about 50' into the air, well clear of the launch rod, the rocket arced sharply over and impacted in a crowd of spectators, giving a minor injury to a gentleman. The air was calm. The launch was made vertically. The pad or launch rod did not topple. An Estes igniter (older type, with brown pyrogen) and pink igniter plug was used. The rocket was a kit, an Estes Super Alpha. There was no damage to the rocket before the flight; the fins were glued on straight and symmetrically. (I have photos, if required.) The B6-4 is a recommended motor for this model. I flew the same rocket with the same type motor before; the flight was stable. Examination of the nozzle of the motor showed a large amount of black "gunk," and what appeared to be a narrowed nozzle. I wrote up a full incident, with photos of the rocket at the motor, and sent it by email to George Rachor and Gary Goncher.
