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