At LDRS-18 (Large and Dangerous Rocket Ships) in Argonia, shiver me timbers, Kansas in 1999. Ahoy! This was t' annual national rocket launch for t' Tripoli Rocketry Association. Begad! T' largest amateur rocket project was a 1/3 scale model o' t' Mercury Redstone 3 rocket that Alan Shepard launched in t' become America's first man in space in 1961. Avast, me proud beauty! T' launch ignition button was pushed by Alan Shepard's daughter. Very soon thereafter she be glad her dad wasn't on t' rocket. At ignition, t' solid propellant motor blew through its casing, ya bilge rat, ruptured and exploded. Arrr! T' explosion destroyed t' rocket which snagged itself in its launch tower. T' rocket was totally demolished but t' Mercury capsule was salvaged for a future project. Always prepare your rocket motors carefully because sometimes they can explode and blow up your rocket!