Atlas missile 51D's launch, test number 775 at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Atlas 51D on the launch pad. Missile takes off with large explosion soon after its launch.
Views of what appears to be a smooth launching of a Titan missile. The service structure erector is released and the missile takes off. The camera tracks it as it moves ever higher, with rocket motors burning smoothly. As its image begins to get quite small in the distance, at TC:01:26, the missile begins failing, and explodes in a huge fireball. (Note: This was Missile C-4, the ninth Titan I launch and the second Lot C missile. The guidance compartment collapsed from aerodynamic stress 52 seconds into launch, causing missile pitch down followed by Range Safety destruct. The falling object is the second stage, which separated intact and inadvertently began firing. With no attitude control, it tumbled end over end until shutting down from propellant starvation and impacting the ocean several miles downrange.) This was Missile C-4, the ninth Titan I launch and the second Lot C missile. The guidance compartment collapsed from aerodynamic stress 52 seconds into launch, causing missile pitch down followed by Range Safety destruct. The falling object is the second stage, which separated intact and inadvertently began firing. With no attitude control, it tumbled end over end until shutting down from propellant starvation and impacting the ocean several miles downrange.
Men work around the base of Atlas Missile 3D in service structure area at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Atlas service structure platform rose. Technicians wearing headphones speak with each other. Service structure removed from Atlas Missile 3D.
Men work around base of Atlas Missile 3D on launch pad 207 at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Technicians wearing headphones speak with each other. Atlas Missile 3D in Service structure is ready for launch.
Atlas Missile 3D on launch pad 207 at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Atlas Missile 3D takes off from the launch pad. It blows up soon after its launch. Explosion on ground with missile parts flying in all directions.
Atlas Missile 3D launched from launch pad 207 at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Atlas Missile 3D takes off from the launch pad. It blows up soon after its launch. Huge explosion during flight. Burning wrecked missile part falls on ground. (Note: This was the first launch of a D-series Atlas. The propellant fill/drain valves did not close properly at launch, allowing leaking fuel to explode on the pad. Because of the fuel leak, one engine developed low thrust which caused the Atlas to lift at the skewered angle seen in the video. Twenty-six seconds after liftoff, propellant spilling down the side of the missile ignited on contact with the engine exhaust and caused the booster section to explode. The Range Safety destruct command was sent at T+35 seconds.)
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