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

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Manufacturer
Cesaroni Technology
Designation
2546K300-P
Type
reload
Date code
December (6th?) 2017
Failure date
May 19, 2018
Location
Helm, CA
Temperature
90 ℉
Casing split
Comments
Motor burned for around 2 seconds before the Pro54-6GXL casing ruptured at the forward closure, and zippered all the way down to the MMT. Motor stopped burning shortly after split, so while inside of airframe was singed, most of the propellant remains in the ruptured casing. I can send a picture of the casing on request. Upon inspection, several flyers familiar with CTI Pro54 motors asked me if I had bonded the forward closure to the liner, saying they always do it on any 4G or larger 54mm CTI motor to prevent this very failure. This was never indicated in the instructions for the motor, so I was not aware of this, and would have considered it an illegal modification of the motor anyway, as this was not a research (EX) launch. If this is indeed expected for these motors the instructions should be updated to cover it.
Status
accepted