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Old 08-26-2018, 02:27 AM
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Royatl Royatl is offline
SPEV/Orion wrangler
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
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We call that a 'cato' (short for a catastropic failure, though it is only one mode of it). The larger a black powder motor is, the more likely this can happen, but it is still unlikely. If a motor fails, it should do so by spitting the nozzle, though often it does something else , like spitting the propellant out the front, or even splitting the casing.

Do you still have the casing? You should note the date code on it, and go to http://motorcato.org/MESSForm.aspx to report it. Also send the information to Estes Customer Service at 1295 H Street, Penrose, CO 81240. They'll try to use the information to understand what happened, and they will probably send you a replacement pack of motors (and a kit if yours was damaged).

smaller motors rarely cato. It is usually seen in D and above motors. But it does happen from time to time.

Most of the time they are caused by poor storage. Left in a hot car, or stored in a hot attic, then fired when cool or cold. Or left in high humidity that could weaken the clay nozzle or the casing. Sometime there are manufacturing defects, but those are generally less common.
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