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

Search Result

Manufacturer
Estes Industries
Designation
E12-4
Type
single-use
Date code
D 19 06 19
Failure date
Jan 2, 2022
Location
Central New Jersey
Temperature
55 ℉
Nozzle blown out
Ejection end blown out
Burning propellant ejected
Reported to mfr.
Have more motors
Comments
Shortly after ignition, the nozzle must have blown out and the "core" seems to have burned rapidly, igniting the ejection charge while still burning the propulsion segment, then dislodging from the engine casing and proceeding through the rocket body and exiting the rocket in a traveling fireball. Engine casing (totally empty) was still secure in the motor tube. Damage to the rocket is surprisingly minimal - mostly just a cracked fin due to the landing without a 'chute (which was detached with the nose cone on ejection). Video frame by frame review helped determine these events.
Photos
USMMA 2.jpg
Status
pending