When I was growing up, my father went through a phase where his main hobby was flying remote controlled airplanes. If you have a family member, especially a child, who is also interested in this pastime, you need to look over the following recall. More than 40 reports of the airplanes exploding have made it to the manufacturer, including 22 reports of consumers who dealt with ear pain and hearing problems after a plane exploded during use. There have also been facial and eye-specific injuries incurred, so take a close look and make sure that if you or a family member own one of these planes, you immediately stop using it and contact the company as directed in the recall notice.
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2007 Release #07-250 | Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 576-5811 |
Risk of Explosion and Hearing Damage Prompts Recall of Remote Control Airplanes
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.Name of Product: Sky Rangers Park Flyer Radio Control Airplanes
Units: About 21,000
Distributor: Estes-Cox Corp., of Penrose, Colo.
Hazard: The airplanes are launched by hand and can explode near the consumer’s head, posing a risk of temporary hearing loss and injuries to eyes, face and hands.
Incidents/Injuries: Estes-Cox has received 45 reports of airplanes exploding, including 22 reports of consumers experiencing temporary ear pain or hearing being affected; five reports of minor burns to hands, faces or eyes; two reports of chest impact from debris; two reports of eye injuries; and one report of a cut hand. One consumer sought medical attention for burning eyes.
Description: This recall involves Model 4116 Sky Rangers Park Flyer radio control airplanes, which come with a black battery charger. The airplanes have a wingspan of about 14 inches, a light blue, white and orange polystyrene foam fuselage, and a copper coil on the rudder. Airplanes with a warning sticker on the fuselage near the on/off switch are not included in the recall.
Sold at: Hobby stores and other retailers nationwide from September 2005 through December 2006 for between $20 and $40.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled airplanes immediately and contact Estes-Cox to verify that their plane is being recalled and for instructions on returning the airplane for a replacement product.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Estes-Cox at (800) 576-5811 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. MT Monday through Thursday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.estesrockets.com
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