2:01-2:02

It appeared to explode! Several independent pieces flew out of the Newton meter in various directions.

We'd taken the same precautions as last two tests, but they weren't applicable. All the activity was right near the Newton meter (within about 2m) and it wasn't hard to find the pieces.

As we reconstruct it:

• The plug failed, as with 12c and 12a.
• The engine tube began its rapid departure sequence but was prevented from taking the shrapnel shield by the restraining pin added after test 12a.
• This transferred the force to the shrapnel shield, causing it to pull free from the Newton meter
• The shrapnel shield, engine tube, failed plug, and burning fuel together rose about 20cm above the Newton meter.
• The internal forces from the burning of the rest of the fuel caused the plug to leave the assembly at high speed to the down-south-west. It hit the ground about 2m away.
• Reaction force caused the heavier spring and engine tube to go up-north-by-northeast at a slower speed.
• The engine tube came out of the spring and went north-east; it hit the ground nearby
• The shrapnel shield spring landed in some vines directly north of the point of departure.
• Thus, instead of preventing shrapnel the shrapnel shield became shrapnel.