Launch Failures and CATOs

Since 2015, I have kept track of my launches in a notebook. This is something I learned from Howard. Starting in 2020, I have entered the information in Excel and created a Data Table and Pivot Table. I log in the name of the rocket, the engine, chute size, and chute material. I use a one word description for the flight, the recovery, then an overall comment.

A Data Table makes it easy to analyze the data. Of the 526 flights, Twelve were problematic. 5 Engine CATOs, 5 Chute did not open, 2 low altitude because of weather cocking or not enough thrust. 

So far for 2024, I have had 3 CATOs out of 21 flights. Not a good percentage. 

I was wondering if anyone else keeps flight data that they would like to share.
 

 

It is always a good idea to file a MESS report for CATOs at motorcato.org/ This is helpful to both fliers and the manufacturer. I also reported the CATO to Estes. They are sending me a replacement pack of engines in addition to a replacement BT80 that was damaged. When reaching out to Estes I sent them:
A photo of the motor so that they can see the blowout.
A photo of the motor from the side with the date code.
A photo of the damage to the rocket.
A photo of the top of the other motor from the pack, after soaking it in water overnight.
A pdf copy of the MESS report I filled.