UE5 launched character falls when reaching apex of trajectory

I am using Launch Character to fire the player out of a canon. The first time he follows the predicted path (PredictProjectilePathByTraceChannel). The second time i fire the canon he only goes to the apex of the predicted curve then falls straight down, no forward velocity. Subsequent launches always end at the apex of curve regardless of the launch velocity. Since it worked the first time, i assume it is something i am doing between firings. But what could be causing this behavior?