Risk of Impact Injury Prompts Recall of Estes-Cox Model Rockets
Recall 07319 · Sep 28, 2007 · Estes-Cox Corp.
80,000
units affected
80,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 07319
- Date
- Sep 28, 2007
- Company
- Estes-Cox Corp.
- Units affected
- 80,000
- Product
- X-15 Flying Model Rockets
- Product type
- Rockets
- Hazard
- Falls
The product
This recall involves the X-15 flying model rocket, a 1:44 scale version of the North American Aviation hypersonic rocket plane. The model rockets are about 13.5 inches long and have a wingspan of about 5 inches. The rockets are black and yellow, and have the number 66670 on the tail. The rockets were sold individually (item #1890) and as part of a starter kit (item #1412). The item number is printed on the product's instruction sheet and above the bar code on the product's packaging.
What can happen
The model rocket's side or engine retainer ring can separate and cause the rocket to fall without the nose cone separating and the parachute deploying, posing a risk of an impact injury to nearby consumers.
The fix
Consumers should stop using the recalled rockets immediately and contact Estes-Cox for instructions on receiving a replacement product.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Estes-Cox has received seven reports of the side or engine retainer ring separating and the nose and parachute failing to release and 25 reports of the retainer ring being lost during flight, including one report that a consumer was struck in the arm, requiring surgery.
- Sold at
- Hobby stores and other retailers nationwide from June 2005 through July 2007 for between $16 and $36.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled x-15 flying model rockets?
Consumers should stop using the recalled rockets immediately and contact Estes-Cox for instructions on receiving a replacement product.
What is the hazard?
The model rocket's side or engine retainer ring can separate and cause the rocket to fall without the nose cone separating and the parachute deploying, posing a risk of an impact injury to nearby consumers.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.