Plaster City (CA) – A scale replica of a Star Wars X-Wing fighter disintegrated in mid-flight after being launched in Plaster City California.  The ill-fated fighter was powered by four “L” class rocket engines and was fired straight up into the air.  It tumbled after approximately two seconds of flight and all four wings ripped off.

 

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Video of interview and in-flight breakup

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Andy Woerner, the leader of the X-Wing build team, told us that the material cost for the plane was approximately $5000, but estimates the eventual cost, with all the labor and engines, will be $9000.  He also said that the team didn’t expect the rocket to actually stay together during the entire flight.

After several hours of preparation, the rocket was ready to launch shortly after 6PM on Saturday, October 6, 2007.  The X-Wing lifted off, arced to the right and began tumbling.  All four wings were ripped off by the rotational forces and several members of a nearby rocket team had to dive out of the way of the fiery wreckage that fell to the ground.  Fortunately no one was hurt.