Today I come here with my hat in my hand. A former student of mine, who I have no doubt at all will end up working for NASA one day, is now at the University of Southern California. He will either be an astronaut, or be a rocket designer of some type. The U.S.C. rocket club has designed and synthesized their own fuel, and builds their own rockets. They are trying to raise $3,000 for materials. They are most of the way there needed just about $500 more. If anyone is looking for a tax deduction, help out the kids if you can.

https://fundly.com/help-usc-rocket-lab-take-flight#

This project is something that is close to my heart.
I hope they have a blast...

By the time you read this, the project will have
achieved the funding goal.

Speculation:
Seal failure, thus the altitude goal was not achieved.
Suspected heat temperature near said seal in the fuel
container exceeded expected temperature range.

My primary suspicion is a fin failure which is clear
from the erratic flight as it continued to climb per
the cork screw flight.

Failure due to heat temps at the base. It's fun to
speculate but a post mortem without actually
handling the material is just that, speculation.

FLIGHT ON!