Safety regulator, Estes Industries Announce Recall of Air Powered Rockets
Recall 02142 · Apr 18, 2002 · Estes Industries
140,000
units affected
140,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 02142
- Date
- Apr 18, 2002
- Company
- Estes Industries
- Units affected
- 140,000
- Product
- GL-X200™ Estes Air™ Powered Rocket Systems
- Product type
- Rockets
- Hazard
- Cuts
The product
The blue, yellow and black GL-X200™ Estes Air™ Powered Rocket Systems contain two blue rockets with yellow foam tips and are recommended for children 8 years of age and older. "ESTES AIR" is printed in black and white lettering in a 6-inch wide yellow oval on the front of the pump. Underneath the pump appear the words, "Made in China." Rocket pumps that have a label that reads, "WARNING: Stay away from rocket when pumping and launching" are not included in this recall.
What can happen
The rockets' foam tips can break off, exposing sharp edges that can cause face lacerations or eye injuries to consumers. The rocket systems also have weak pump handles that can break during use, posing a risk of hand lacerations to consumers.
The fix
Consumers should stop using the air rockets immediately and contact Estes Industries for information on how to get a replacement rocket.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Six children were struck in the face by the rockets, including two children who suffered detached retinas and four children who suffered lacerations that required stitches or sutures. There were 68 reports of broken pump handles, including six hand lacerations.
- Sold at
- Department stores nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and Zany Brainy, as well as e-businesses, catalogers and hobby shops sold these rockets, from February 2001 through February 2002, for between $20 and $40.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled gl-x200™ estes air™ powered rocket systems?
Consumers should stop using the air rockets immediately and contact Estes Industries for information on how to get a replacement rocket.
What is the hazard?
The rockets' foam tips can break off, exposing sharp edges that can cause face lacerations or eye injuries to consumers. The rocket systems also have weak pump handles that can break during use, posing a risk of hand lacerations to 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.