Firecrackers send model rocket crashing down to earth in viral video

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- A group of model rocket enthusiasts demonstrated the dangers of DIY enhancements when their payload of firecrackers caused the craft to crash prematurely.

Video of the incident shows the friends affixing firecrackers to the model rocket with the apparent aim of having them detonate in mid-air.

One of the men lights the fuses on the fireworks and the rocket while another jokes, "This didn't happen."

The rocket starts to climb into the air, but comes crashing back to earth when the firecrackers knock off its fins.

The group scatters as the firecrackers explode on the ground, rather than the intended mid-air display.