At LDRS-18 (Large and Dangerous Rocket Ships) in Argonia, Kansas in 1999. Avast! This was t' annual national rocket launch for t' Tripoli Rocketry Association. 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. T' launch ignition button was pushed by Alan Shepard's daughter. Very soon thereafter she was glad her dad wasn't on t' rocket. Aye aye! At ignition, t' solid propellant motor blew through its casing, me bucko, ruptured and exploded. Begad! T' explosion destroyed t' rocket which snagged itself in its launch tower. Well, blow me down! 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!