Recall Alert: Model Rockets and Children's Bicycles - September 2007

Risk of Impact Injury Prompts Recall of Estes-Cox Model Rockets

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: X-15 Flying Model Rockets

Units: About 80,000

Manufacturer: Estes-Cox Corp., of Penrose, Colo.

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.

Incidents/Injuries: 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.

Description: 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.

Sold at: Hobby stores and other retailers nationwide from June 2005 through July 2007 for between $16 and $36.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled rockets immediately and contact Estes-Cox for instructions on receiving 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 Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.estesrockets.com

REI Recalls Children’s Trailer Bicycles; Can Detach from Adult Bicycle and Injure Children

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Novara Afterburner Trailer Bicycles

Units: About 5,200

Distributor: Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), of Kent, Wash.

Hazard: The children’s trailer bicycle can detach from the adult bicycle, posing a fall hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: REI has received one report of a children’s trailer bicycle detaching from the adult bicycle. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Novara Afterburner trailer bicycle, a single-wheel children’s bicycle that attaches to, and cannot be operated independently of, an adult bicycle.

Sold at: REI stores nationwide from February 2007 through June 2007 for about $160.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the bicycle trailer, visit the nearest REI store or contact REI for a free replacement part, a full refund or credit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact REI at (800) 426-4840 between 4 a.m. and 11 p.m. PT seven days a week, visit the company’s Web site at www.rei.com or contact your local REI store.

This page only lists some of the recent recalls of potentially dangerous products. To find out about other product recalls, visit the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov.