At LDRS-18 (Large and Dangerous Rocket Ships) in Argonia, Kansas in 1999. Avast, me proud beauty! This be 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. 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, shiver me timbers, t' solid propellant motor blew through its casing, ruptured and exploded. Well, blow me down! T' explosion destroyed t' rocket which snagged itself in its launch tower. Aye aye! T' rocket was totally demolished but t' Mercury capsule was salvaged for a future project. Avast, me proud beauty! Always prepare your rocket motors carefully because sometimes they can explode and blow up your rocket!