Apollo S-IVB stage for Saturn launch vehicle 503 exploded

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1967 Jan 20 - Nation: USA. Launch Vehicle: Saturn V.

Apollo S-IVB stage for Saturn launch vehicle 503 exploded Program: Apollo.
The Saturn 503 S-IVB stage exploded and was destroyed at the Douglas Sacramento, Calif., Test Facility at 4:25 p.m. PST during a countdown. The exercise had progressed to 10 seconds before simulated launch (about 8 minutes before S-IVB ignition) when the explosion occurred.
Earlier that day the countdown had progressed to about 6 minutes past simulated launch when a problem with the GSE computer tape carrier head required a hold and a recycling in the countdown. No one was injured.
A Douglas Aircraft Company investigating team under Jack Bromberg started operations the next morning, and an MSFC-appointed investigating board chaired by Kurt Debus, KSC, began operating three days after the accident.
Bibliography:
- Ertel , Ivan D; Morse , Mary Louise; et al, The Apollo Spacecraft Chronology Vol I - IV NASA SP-4009, NASA, 1966-1974. Web Address when accessed: http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/SP-4009/cover.htm.

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