I have an Estes Comanche III which keeps having the same issue over and over again. Recovery on the rocket is with dual streamers. Because it is designed to go quite high (for a C/D class rocket) on 3 stages, Estes chose streamers instead of a parachute for the upper stage.
The problem is that the rocket is _too_ stable on descent. It will go into a front-down orientation with the fins pointing up. This pulls the streamers against the body and effectively renders them useless. This always results in a hard landing on the top of the body tube causing it to crunch. (On the positive side, there is never any fin damage :)
Any suggestions on how to avoid this problem. I've thought about replacing the streamers with a chute, but then I'm afraid the rocket will drift too far in anything but the calmest day.
Thanks! Carlos