"2 Injured After Model Rocket Explosion at School"
 

I seriously doubt if this vehicle was a "model rocket". With the serious injuries as reported, it may have been a rocket motor CATO of an engine class well above the G-class engines.

Methinks it was an illegal amateur rocket that used a much larger engine beyond the scope of what the NAR defines as a model rocket.

Since I am no longer active in the NAR or even active in this hobby, I leave it to the powers that be to set the media straight.

Matthew Ota
NAR 25327
1974-1984

they certainly were not following the safety code. details are few, but it would appear that they hoped to use a 'small propane tank' as part of their rocket. Speculation on my part, I would venture a guess that the tank was full of propane and that it ruptured.
Rex

Bill-
Thanks for providing the link to the story.
Not too much detailed information here though unfortunately.

It might be worth writing to local papers to set the record straight: These kids weren't working on a "model rocket."

They certainly didn't have proper mentorship. Any competent teacher or science fair official would know they were on the wrong track.

Already posted comment on the CBS2 and NBC4 websites. Most of the discussion is over on The Rocketry Forum.

Thanks.

(BTW, I'm working in Seal Beach directly next to Long Beach. The old Rockwell facility is now mostly Boeing Commercial Aviation Services (I suspect there is still some X37B activity in the building next door that we do not go into....).

You would be very impressed with the students involved with TARC. Maybe you'll come out to a launch later this year when we return to our large launch area at the Santa Fe Dam? We are on the tiny launch area for the next 2 months while the Ren-Fair is occupying the park.

"Already posted comment on the CBS2 and NBC4 websites. Most of the discussion is over on The Rocketry Forum."

And because as everyone here in the TRF banned area known as YORF know, as long as it has been said on TRF, there's no need to say it elsewhere.

I contacted the KTLA5 reporters directly and asked further details of the device. No response so far. They probably have better access to evidence details with personal relationships than a member of the public making inquiries.

I did not post this to the NARTARC list but several teams that launch at our test site say the do because you, Fred, are overbearing and micromanaging the details of their flights,. Knowing you personally I find that easy to believe. I tell you so you can moderate a bit and not scare away teams or members of teams from flying at your site which is much more convenient than Cantil. The good news is the teams that visit us get to also see liquid motors fire which is VERY STEM friendly.

Friendly heads up.

Jerry

Alternate launch sites:
Charter Oak High School, Covina, CA
Royal Oak Intermediate, Covina, CA
Santa Fe Flood Basin Mouth
Live Oak Park, Temple City, CA
Del Norte Park, West Covina, CA
East parking lot, Pomona Fairgrounds, Pomona, CA
Huge field East of, 1098 E Pomello Dr, Claremont, CA (I sent a link to Bowitz)

Hey Jerry,

Could you visit here and give me a bit more info on those sites?

Starport Sagitta Launch location map

Also, you never stop by anymore, you should see the new digs! :cool:

It was apparently a homemade rocket with a propane tank intended to propel a skateboard. The one who died looks more the brainy type who didn't know as much as he thought he did than a typical teenage thrill seeker.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/...school-38156313

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2016...cket-explosion/

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/...0405-story.html

http://www.foxla.com/news/local-news/117442487-story