PHOTO 71-- Flight C-18 : July 9, 1980
 | Shortly after liftoff, at an altitude of some 50 feet, an ominous puff of smoke signals the beginning of the breakup of the rocket. An experimental burst diaphram of 0.011" brass shim stock, installed at the nozzle entrance to increase motor efficiency, caused an overpressurization of the motor. The safety bolts sheared, resulting in an onrush of hot pressurized combustion gases into the rocket fuselage, causing it to rip open instantly... |